A LIMS is a key tool for enabling laboratory efficiency, automating workflows and meeting regulatory compliance. But it also plays a role in fostering collaboration, increasing productivity and accelerating time to results.
With a scarcity of collection and testing staff, many health systems are finding creative ways to manage their laboratories. A consolidated LIMS enables real-time access and visibility, empowering teams to work together effectively no matter their location.
1. Optimal Data Management
The streamlined work processes, reduced documentation effort and improved data integrity offered by LIMS enable higher productivity in laboratory workflow. LIMS solutions allow for real-time data exchange between laboratory and IT systems, including Electronic Medical Records (EMR/EHR), Chromatography Data System (CDS) software and an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).
Effortless tracking and reporting of samples, from their intake through to storage and consumption, analysis and result interpretation is possible with a LIMS. These comprehensive audit trails help meet regulatory requirements and ensure that sample information is correctly stored, accessed and understood.
LIMS also supports efficient inventory management. It will record the date and time that reagents are received in the lab, track recipes that contain those reagents, identify which aliquots have been used up to avoid accidental over-ordering or waste and will alert users when a specific lot is reaching expiry.
LIMS can also support stability protocol templates, environmental monitoring schedules and more. All of these features make it easy to comply with the most stringent data regulations. They also make it easier to find and handle violations as they occur, ensuring the best possible results are produced from each and every analysis.
2. Data Analytics
Effective laboratory data analytics depends on the full range of information a LIMS can gather and store. Ideally, this should include data from other systems, such as instrument calibration, competency management, and Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPA), to offer greater insight into the lab’s performance.
This allows the system to identify trends and predict issues affecting the lab, such as machine downtime or poor sample quality. This is important as it can help the lab manage workflows and resource allocation for maximum efficiency.
Additionally, these features can help detect errors in the lab and allow researchers to fix them before they become a larger problem that impacts multiple samples or results. This can drastically reduce turnaround times and boost the lab’s reputation for excellence.
The best LIMS solutions can be configured to suit the exact needs of the lab, day-to-day, month-to-month, and year-to-year. This is especially important for laboratories that are continually expanding their capabilities and adopting new processes. By leveraging configurable software like Third Wave Analytics’ secure Lockbox LIMS, laboratories can adapt their system to the needs of the lab without needing coding expertise or waiting on IT teams.
3. Automation
A LIMS solution automates manual record-keeping, which reduces transcription errors and streamlines the reporting process. This frees scientists to focus on the science and improves overall productivity in the lab.
Moreover, these systems also allow users to track and analyze data from each sample’s lifecycle – providing valuable insight into their operational efficiency. For example, they can highlight instrument malfunctions, identify areas for process improvement, and generate reports that help them meet their turn-around time (TAT) goals.
Modern LIMS solutions also feature robust security features such as server backups and disaster recovery mechanisms. This enables labs to easily recover from any natural or man-made disaster and get back to business as usual without disruption.
Additionally, some LIMS include EMR/EHR software functionality, enabling them to connect with existing healthcare systems for more efficient remote-based working. This eliminates the need to go back and forth between a testing location and a work station, which significantly cuts down on wasted time and increases productivity. This is particularly beneficial during pandemics when lab operations need to be scaled up quickly to handle increased workloads.
4. Real-Time Collaboration
Whether they are working with sample batches, instrument settings or control samples, LIMS systems streamline data management for lab personnel. They provide centralized repositories and tracking to ensure that all users have access to the same information. These systems also help laboratories maintain a consistent level of performance by providing the necessary known values against which to compare experimental data.
As such, a LIMS system makes it easier to identify trends and address potential issues. In addition, it helps laboratories ensure compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines through automated data entry and secure backup. Moreover, it facilitates communication between lab staff and other stakeholders.
To get the most from a LIMS system, choose one that is intuitive and easy to navigate. It should offer multiple configuration options and be scalable to meet a laboratory’s future needs. Moreover, look for an implementation partner that provides quality training and support to ensure the system is fully utilized. By improving efficiency and managing data effectively, a lab that integrates a LIMS can reduce costs and improve productivity.
5. Connectivity
As labs shift to hybrid workforce models and embrace new working practices, a LIMS can help support productivity. The ability to take a step back from daily tasks allows staff to focus on the task at hand, which can boost instrument availability, as noted by Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE).
Advanced LIMS and laboratory automation systems provide connectivity with instruments that can enable automated workflows. This increases turnaround times, streamlines incident tracking, and improves data quality by eliminating human error.
Additionally, connecting laboratory automation with a LIMS can allow QC cycles to be optimized by digitizing the entire testing process. This enables aggregations of QC data in a single virtual location, making it easier for lab team members to access information via a user-friendly dashboard. This also eliminates the need for paper documents, which reduces overall costs and speeds up data compliance. For example, a LIMS can automatically notify lab teams when their instruments need calibration or maintenance, helping them better plan and optimize workloads. This can save time and money by reducing costly downtime for equipment. This article is written by Morain khan – working with many healthcare provider as content writer including big names like IHLD Delhi Lungs Hospital in India.
