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Laboratory
Information
Management
Systems (LIMS)
Good Clinical Laboratory Practice

KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme

 What is LIMS?

 Computerized information management system

designed for laboratories
 Manages lab data from sample log-in to reporting
 Interfaces with analytical instruments
 Sorts and organizes data into various report
formats
 Stores data for future reference and use
 Rationale for LIMS

hardware, software, people, procedures

and data
 Role of LIMS

 To manage
 Data
 Work flow
 Changing business needs/processes
 Existing systems and improving where
required
 Resources
 QA/QC
 Why have a LIMS?

 Improve data management in lab to

increase lab potential
 Enable centralization of information
 Support and enhance business
processes of the lab
 Take advantage of new lab information
technology
 Provide easy access to data
Functions of LIMS

 Track specimens from receipt,

processing, testing, reporting to storage
 Electronically capture results from lab
diagnostic equipment and store with
specimen details
 Protocols and algorithms for testing and
final result determination
Functions of LIMS

 Patient focus
 Enable determination of patient
outcomes
 Integrate patient and specimen
information
 Support patient management and
care/treatment
 LIMS decision
 Type of lab
 Reference/research/public health
 Clinical
 Hybrid
 Volume of specimens
 Types and number of tests
 Size of staff/users
 Existing system
 Determine which areas will be affected
 Requirements and expectations
 Avoid ‘culture shock’
Advantages of LIMS Use

 Fewer transcription errors & faster

processing with direct instrument
uploads
 Real time control of data quality with built
in QC criteria
 Direct report generation meeting specific
client requirements
 Direct electronic reporting to clients or
direct client access to data
Disadvantages/Concerns

 Customization of LIMS/interfaces required

for specific lab/client needs
 Adequate validation to ensure data quality
 Data integrity and confidentiality,
especially when clients have direct
access to data
 Limited interface between lab & field
computer systems
Examples

KIDMS
Reports
Information available on LIMS

 Project, samples, tests documentation

 Sample tracking history within the Lab
 Reporting results (hardcopy, electronic
file)
 Financial information by test, client,
dates
 Information on Productivity
 Benefits of LIMS

 It improves the efficiency hence productivity.

 Improve data quality (all instrument are
integrated).
 Saves time because the information is obtained at
the snap of the button
 Improve level of data access for all stakeholders
of any project.
 Automated customer reports (TAT, Work Load)
Laboratory Responsibilities

 Evaluate LIMS capabilities

 System validation/maintenance
 Interfacing capabilities
 Confidentiality/data integrity protection
 Regulatory compliance/accreditation.