LIMS, a laboratory information management system, has functions. What are the main modules?

LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is a laboratory information management system, which comprehensively manages the sample inspection process, analysis data and reports, laboratory resources and customer information, establishes a quality system in line with laboratory business processes according to standardized laboratory management norms, and realizes laboratory information management. It is an information platform for the laboratory to improve the analytical level, standardize the sample testing process, reduce the experimental cost and provide customers with quality services.

Hongfeng technology I know has worked as an intelligent inspection system of Cyberlab and Guangzhou Energy Testing and Research Institute ~

This paper introduces some basic functions of LIMS system.

1? Detection application

Testing the application is the first step of LIMS business management process. The test application is usually submitted directly by the customer through LIMS, or the relevant service department of the laboratory assists the customer or fills in the test application instead of the customer. LIMS shall record relevant information of customers (internal customers or external customers) who apply for testing, relevant information of tested samples, testing requirements and special requirements. The customer who fills in the test application must be an authorized customer of LIMS. The system can also record the information filled in, by whom, when, etc. And should support the output and printing of paper application forms.

Advanced LIMS can provide a variety of application form input methods, such as information import, filling in test applications through the Internet, and issuing test tasks directly from other business information systems.

2? Contract review and sample receipt

After receiving the customer's test application and samples, the relevant laboratory personnel will review the application in LIMS to check whether the samples submitted for inspection are inconsistent with the application.

3? Assignment and assignment of detection tasks

LIMS shall be automatically assigned to inspectors or inspection teams by identifying inspection departments related to inspection tasks and inspection authorizations. For special users, detection tasks can also be scheduled by manual deployment.

4? Test result entry

Test result input refers to the process of inputting test results into LIMS in various ways after the sample test is completed. The input of test results is an important part of LIMS. Advanced LIMS will provide many practical functions to assist inspectors to carry out experiments and input results, and to carry out better quality control.

5? automatic calculation

The test method is programmed into LIMS, and the tester can complete the calculation of the final result by inputting the test results of the instrument.

6? Instrument data acquisition

Through automatic collection, the result data, test spectrogram and other results and original records output by the instrument are directly imported into LIMS, which reduces the workload of testers and possible errors.

7 Collect results and original records in different formats.

A large number of non-data result files, such as photos, images and experimental spectrograms, can be saved through LIMS.

8? Results Quality control samples were used for calibration.

Many LIMS have introduced the concept of inspection lot, that is, a batch of multiple samples are inspected by the same instrument and the same detection method, for example, an ICP with automatic sampling function is used for content determination experiments. Inspectors can add quality control samples to each batch and correct the results of this batch of samples according to the inspection results of quality control samples. If the test results of quality control samples are beyond the specified range, it is judged that the results of the whole batch of samples are invalid, and the instrument needs to be recalibrated and tested again.

9? Check the detection method and SOP.

LIMS can be associated with corresponding operating instructions, instrument instructions and test method documents. During the testing process, inspectors can easily query the current valid versions of these related technical documents.

10? Test workflow

If some experiments are carried out in the laboratory, many people and steps are needed to complete them. For example, a test needs many steps, such as sample preparation, weighing, digestion, constant volume and computer experiment. These steps can be completed by different testers. In this case, you can define the testing workflow through LIMS, and record the operation time and operators of each step in detail.

1 1? Data modification tracking

A perfect LIMS should have the function of tracking data modification. For the input and modified test data, the system shall record who input or modified it and the time when the operation occurred for traceability.

12? Data and report review

Data and report auditors review test data and test reports through LIMS. A good LIMS should have the function of automatically generating reports. Data and report auditors can not only view and review the test result data, but also view the relevant quality information in the test process, such as instruments, standards and testers used in the experiment. The audit of data and test results reports needs to be verified by electronic signature and other security means to ensure that the operators are legally authorized.

13? Sample management

Sample management is a very important part of LIMS. LIMS should dynamically record the whole process from the arrival of samples in the laboratory to the end of testing, until the samples are retrieved by users or processed by the laboratory. When the sample enters the laboratory, the user can record the arrival time of the sample, the current state of the sample and whether it deviates from the conditions described or specified in the system. LIMS should use bar code to identify samples and ensure the uniqueness of sample identification, so as to facilitate the transmission and inquiry of samples during the whole detection process.

LIMS shall provide information about the storage location and conditions of samples. If possible, the storage locations that meet the storage conditions should be automatically allocated by identifying the properties and materials of the samples. The collection and return of experimental samples should be recorded in LIMS and can be carried out by bar code scanning. For the samples that need to be disposed of after the storage period, the system should record the disposal method, date and other information.

14? Subcontracting management

When the laboratory needs to subcontract the testing work due to unexpected or persistent reasons, LIMS needs to effectively control and manage this work. First of all, in addition to the specific subcontractors designated by customers, the testing institutions or laboratories subcontracted by laboratories must be laboratories approved by laboratory evaluation. It is necessary to keep the information of LIMS subcontracted laboratory, including its testing ability, quality system, relevant qualification certificates and contact information. If necessary, LIMS can also keep electronic versions of subcontracting agreements, subcontractor audit records and other documents. When subcontracting samples, LIMS should be able to output subcontracting application forms. When outputting information, the principle of customer information should be guaranteed. LIMS shall provide the function of tracking subcontracted samples, including subcontracting date. If the sample is mailed, you can track the sample through the courier number. After the testing report is issued by the laboratory performing the testing task, the laboratory can input the subcontracting results into LIMS, and if necessary, it can also save the scanned or electronic version of the report issued by the laboratory performing the testing task into the system.

15? personnel management

The personnel management of LIMS is not as comprehensive as the human resources system, although it contains some basic information of personnel, but the personnel management of LIMS should pay more attention to the management of personnel's detection ability, training and authorization. LIMS should be able to maintain relevant technical files, educational background, qualifications, current job descriptions and other relevant information of personnel. The training process of personnel is a dynamic process, including training planning, training implementation and training evaluation. Through LIMS, the laboratory can select the training plan suitable for the current and expected testing tasks, and evaluate and revise the plan according to the actual situation. The laboratory can inform students through LIMS and distribute electronic materials and teaching materials related to training through the system. Participants in the training can also give feedback on the training through LIMS to improve the pertinence and effectiveness of the training. LIMS should also provide training evaluation, training materials archiving and other related auxiliary functions. LIMS shall maintain the authorization of personnel and control the process according to these authorizations. If the authorized signatory is not authorized by the system, the inspection report is not allowed to be issued. Without the authorization of some testing methods and instruments, inspectors can't carry out experiments.

16? Management of instruments and measuring instruments

The management of LIMS instruments and measuring instruments is also different from our common fixed assets management system. It is divided into static data management and dynamic management. Static management of instruments includes basic information management of instruments and equipment, management of instrument accessories and maintenance of instrument technical parameters. The dynamic management of instruments includes periodic verification, daily maintenance, calibration, verification, traceability plan and state management. Through the dynamic management of measuring instruments, laboratory testers and managers can know the status of instruments at any time to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of testing results.

17? Reagents, reference materials and supplier management

LIMS usually does not manage the procurement process of reagents and reference materials. However, it is necessary to manage the suppliers who provide these reagents and reference materials. It is necessary to maintain the information of qualified suppliers recognized by LIMS laboratory, such as address, contact information, catalogue of supplied reagents and reference materials, etc. For each batch of reagents purchased, the traceability of suppliers shall be recorded. LIMS should also manage the storage and inventory of reagents. For reagents and reference materials that seriously affect the test results, LIMS should record the batch number of reagents used in each test or scan them by bar code.

18? Method management

LIMS should strictly control the version of experimental methods. By updating and controlling the version of LIMS method, it can be ensured that the detection methods used in the laboratory are consistent and effective.

19? Management of facilities and environmental conditions

With the continuous development of science and technology, more and more laboratories use thermometers that can collect and analyze data and measuring instruments that detect electromagnetic interference, radiation and vibration levels in the test environment. Through the combination of LIMS and these instruments, real-time monitoring of the laboratory environment can monitor and analyze the environmental conditions of the laboratory more effectively, and associate the environmental conditions with instruments and testing items, and set the threshold of environmental conditions. When the threshold is exceeded, the tester can be reminded and warned by LIMS. Ensure the accuracy and validity of the test results.

20? file management

LIMS should also manage the laboratory's technical documents, quality documents, inspection standards, calibration specifications and other related documents to realize the whole process management and monitoring of document drafting, publishing, revision and audit. Establish file directory and classification, and control file access level. You can query files freely, that is, you can query by specifying any query conditions, you can also conduct fuzzy query, and you can print the files obtained from the query. You can add and delete files, and delete (abolish) files.

Tag with a note explaining the reason for deletion. File distribution can be recorded. When the file is about to expire or exceeds the validity period, the system will automatically remind the file administrator to handle it accordingly.

2 1 quality control in the laboratory

Laboratory quality control is a control measure to control the error of analysis and test results within the allowable range. Traditionally, we control the quality of the laboratory through quality control in the laboratory and comparison between laboratories. In the laboratory, quality control generally includes blank experiments, calibration curve verification, instrument and equipment calibration, parallel sample analysis, standard sample analysis and the use of quality control charts. Inter-laboratory comparison includes distributing standard samples to evaluate the analysis results of various laboratories, conducting collaborative experiments to verify the analysis methods, and adding password samples for investigation. It is an important measure to find and eliminate systematic errors between laboratories. Laboratory quality control can be carried out through LIMS. LIMS management of quality control is embodied in two aspects. One is to deal with the test samples in a planned, purposeful and targeted manner, as well as the comparative tests and evaluations within and between laboratories. On the other hand, it is the processing of quality control samples, calibration curves of testing instruments, trend charts of testing results and control charts in daily testing work.

22? Management of laboratory quality activities

The daily quality activities of the laboratory can be managed through LIMS. Such as management review, internal review, corrective measures, preventive measures and control of unqualified detection. These quality activities can be dynamically managed through LIMS, other office automation systems, or file circulation management. However, as mentioned in this paper, the essence of LIMS is actually the materialization of laboratory management thought. Therefore, the continuous improvement measures and management process adjustment requirements put forward by the laboratory through quality activities are reflected in LIMS to continuously improve and serve the management system.

23? Service client

Serving customers through LIMS is reflected in two aspects. The first is to protect the privacy of customer information more effectively through information management. The second is to provide better services to customers through LIMS and its related extended functions, such as establishing a platform for customer feedback and complaints, downloading test reports directly through the Internet, inquiring about the authenticity of the reports online, inquiring about the test progress at any time through the Internet, reminding customers by SMS or email after the test reports are completed, and directly authorizing customers to apply for testing through the Internet.

24? Results report management

A very important function of LIMS is to automatically generate test result reports. Now many laboratories use this function first. Usually, a report template with a certain format is established by using a third-party report tool or a self-developed report tool, so as to automatically obtain the test result data and the information required by customers, explain the test or calibration results and the requirements of the methods used, and automatically organize the generation of reports. No human intervention is needed in the process of generating the report. The report template should be made according to the requirements of the laboratory and the requirements of the Accreditation Guidelines for Testing and Calibration Laboratories to ensure the necessary information is provided. The information in all reports must be extracted from the system database. That is to say, any customer information, detection and method information, instrument information and experimental result information reflected in the result report must be completely consistent with the information in LIMS database and can be traced back in the system. If LIMS provides the function of electronic transmission of results, the system needs to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the results report in the transmission process when sending the results report through the WEB, automatic mail or electronic fax platform. Eliminate risks during transmission and protect customer information.

25? Statistics and query of data

The biggest advantage of an information system is the function of statistics, query and analysis of data. By establishing LIMS, laboratory managers no longer need to judge by experience, but make management decisions through a large number of more scientific and accurate statistical data, and improve the management system and quality system. Therefore, the statistics and query function of LIMS is a very important function. A good LIMS should have open, powerful and freely customizable query and statistics functions.