70% of medical decisions rely on laboratory test results. Ensuring the accuracy of lab tests and effectively monitoring samples is an essential part of running a laboratory.
If you want to improve your lab and increase efficiency, it’s a good idea to implement a laboratory management system. The right software can help you manage and monitor samples and overall lab operations much more easily.
In this guide, we’ll tell you more about using laboratory management systems in the digital age.
What Are Laboratory Management Systems?
A laboratory information management system (LIMS) is a type of software that’s used in labs to process a high volume of samples and manage the workflow in a laboratory. Using a LIMS can help to improve the workflow and efficiency in a laboratory and ensure that the samples can be processed quickly.
There are several different types of LIMS systems that are in use in laboratory settings today including the following:
- Clinical Analysis and Diagnostics LIMS
- Environmental LIMS
- Chemical and Petrochemical LIMS
- Diagnostic Testing
- Quality Control Software
- Immunoassay Systems
Because there are many LIMS options available it’s important to research any particular system you’re thinking about using thoroughly. Although they have many similar functionalities, each one will provide different features and some will be more suited for your lab than others will.
LIMS Sample Stages
LIMS software can help your lab process samples efficiently and reduce the need for manual laboratory activities. It can help automate the process and ensure that it goes quickly every time.
There are a few main stages that samples will typically go through. This includes the following:
- Sample Registering: During this stage, the sample is received and is then registered with customer data
- Sample Monitoring: The sample will then be scheduled, tracked, and monitored
- Sample Processing: The sample will be processed and the equipment, inventory, and analytical workload will be managed
- Quality Control: The results will be inspected and approved
- Storage of Data: The relevant data from the sample analysis will be stored
- Sample Results Reporting: The sample data and report will be compiled
Although LIMS software varies, these are the steps that samples will likely go through in the system.
LIMS features
In addition to the processing of samples, there are some key features that LIMS systems will usually come with. Here’s what you should know.
Lab Management
One of the key features of a LIMS system is that it helps to manage the lab. It includes many capabilities that can standardize procedures and provide more visibility and monitoring.
This includes inventory management, instrument status monitoring, and the management of lab resources.
CRM Functionality
An LMS system may also provide customer relationship management (CRM) features as well. Using the CRM module, a LIMS can help your lab keep track of contacts and patients and can allow you to easily store and retrieve information on your relationships with them.
Personnel Management
In addition to keeping track of customers and other contacts, an LMS may also help to provide personnel management features.
The software may allow you to manage work schedules, workloads, and employee information. It can help you track the time that employees work and monitor their workloads to ensure that you have everything under control.
Sample Storage
A key feature of a laboratory management system is that it can help track the storage of samples within a laboratory. It helps to track the particular box, tube, and vial of a sample and ensure that all lab samples remain organized at all times.
Accounting
Many LIMS systems also provide accounting features as well.
Features in an LIMS can help to manage billing and assist with all of the things that relate to keeping track of finances. This includes creating quotes and generating invoices.
To better manage laboratory billing processes, you may want to learn more about Laboratory RCM systems.
Patient Portals
A LIMS system will likely also include a patient portal that allows clients of your lab to check their results and sample data. They’ll be able to print reports and find out more about the status of their sample easily and effortlessly and this can also save your lab time and effort as well.
In addition to this, a patient portal may also allow patients to remotely order sample testing before shipping samples to your lab.
Analytics
A reliable LMS will also provide analytics features that can help you get a better overview of how your lab is operating.
This could include historical data which can help you analyze the tasks you’ve completed and tests you run. It can also help you idea identify potential issues in the performance of your personnel and lab.
Benefits of LIMS
There are many benefits of using a LIMS system. As a whole, the greatest benefit is simply the ability to streamline and optimize the management of your laboratory and ensure that all samples are managed effectively.
Here are some other key benefits of using LIMS software:
Automates Tasks
LIMS software allows you to reduce your lab’s reliance on manual tasks and activities and allows for more automation. This helps reduce the instances of human error in your lab and ensures the accuracy of data.
Improves Monitoring
LIMS software allows you to monitor laboratory processes in real-time. You’ll be able to see the status of all samples and workflows easily and can also manage relationships and other important lab operations efficiently as well.
Ensures Compliance
LIMS software helps your lab stay compliant and proves that you’re staying on top of all important regulations. This includes GMP, GXP, ISO 17025, 21 CFR Part 11, CAP/CLIA regulations, and more.
Understanding LIMS Systems
To streamline operations in your lab, you should understand how laboratory management systems work. Using the right LIMS can help your lab monitor samples and can help give you a better overview of operations.
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