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Why should you invest in a Lab Information Management System? 

Published By Sowmya
 2018053118:00:18
Category LIMS


A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS): Why Do You Need One?

The adoption of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) has become increasingly crucial. This comprehensive guide delves deep into the reasons behind investing in LIMS, shedding light on the myriad benefits it offers to laboratory operations. As we explore the multifaceted facets of LIMS, you'll discover how this powerful tool revolutionizes lab management, enhancing precision, efficiency, and overall quality. Whether you're running a pathology lab, clinical research facility, or any laboratory, this article is your key to understanding why LIMS is a game-changer.


Chapter 1: LIMS Software - A Paradigm Shift in Lab Management

In this digital age, traditional manual processes in laboratories have become a bottleneck, prone to errors and inefficiencies. LIMS software, also known as a laboratory management system, emerges as a game-changer, transforming how laboratories operate. It encompasses a wide range of functionalities, including ERP tools, data analytics capabilities, and virtual software. Let's explore why LIMS is gaining ground in modern laboratories.


1.1. Error-Free Precision

LIMS software is designed to be virtually error-free, a crucial feature for laboratories dealing with sensitive data. Manual handling of laboratory tasks often leads to data mismatches, incorrect readings, and erroneous updates. LIMS ensures impeccable record precision, eliminating these sources of error.


1.2. Centralized Data Access

One of the standout features of LIMS is its ability to provide centralized data access. This means that patient records and reports are easily accessible to authorized personnel. Clinicians, technicians, and other stakeholders can quickly reference and verify patient details. Moreover, LIMS automatically updates critical values and responds to crises, ensuring immediate attention to critical cases.


1.3. Seamless Integration with Instruments

LIMS seamlessly integrates with clinical instruments, streamlining the testing process. It automatically retrieves and stores test results in its primary database, eliminating the need for manual data entry. This not only reduces the risk of errors but also saves valuable time.


Chapter 2: Enhancing Patient Experience through LIMS

2.1. Patient-Focused Updates

LIMS introduces a new level of patient engagement by providing real-time updates. Patients no longer need to anxiously wait for their test results. Instead, they receive automatic updates via SMS or email, along with concise test result summaries. This not only enhances patient satisfaction but also ensures they are well-informed about the progress of their tests.


2.2. Sample Tracking for Quality Assurance

LIMS initiates meticulous sample tracking from the moment a sample is collected. It records clinical reports, phenotypic information, and even freezer locations in great detail. This comprehensive tracking covers freeze and thaw cycles, collection centre details, and responsible clinicians or lab technicians. With LIMS, samples are guaranteed to remain accurate and traceable throughout the entire process, ensuring the highest quality standards.


Chapter 3: Efficiency and Workflow Optimization with LIMS

3.1. Faster Turnaround Time (TAT)

Manual handling of laboratory processes often leads to delays in delivering test results to patients and clinicians. LIMS streamlines these processes, reducing errors and the need for cross-verification. It also efficiently manages and calibrates connected medical instruments, automatically updating them in response to alarming readings. This enhanced efficiency significantly improves the overall Turnaround Time (TAT).


3.2. Hassle-Free Workflow

LIMS takes the hassle out of managing laboratory workflow. The software automates workflow and records maintenance, saving valuable time. As processes are codified within the system, LIMS guides technicians on instrument usage and process handling. This reduces manual interventions for record movement and tracking, making the entire process hassle-free.


3.3. Streamlined Workflow for Doctors and Patients

LIMS offers dedicated login portals for doctors and patients. With preset templates for generating and sending invoices, it streamlines the workflow efficiency. Additionally, doctors and patients can easily access and compare current reports with previous ones, making diagnosis and treatment decisions more efficient.


Chapter 4: Productivity and Quality Control with LIMS

4.1. Enhanced Productivity

LIMS significantly boosts productivity in laboratory settings. It automatically shares lab test results across users, eliminating the need for manual distribution. Quick access to patient history is another productivity booster. Reports are synchronized with physicians' Electronic Medical Records (EMR) for rapid access. Automatic updates and alerts are generated for abnormalities, reducing the need for manual intervention. Furthermore, LIMS enables digital signatures, further cutting down on wait times for approving physical documents.


4.2. Quality Control Assurance

Maintaining quality in laboratory testing is paramount, and LIMS excels in this regard. Through effective Quality Control measures, identifying variations becomes easier. Quality Control results are stored as a database and can be compared to actual results, providing complete control over deviations or errors. With accreditations like NABL and others, LIMS ensures the highest quality standards in results and workflow.



The Future of Laboratory Information Management System(LIMS)

LIMS software is at the forefront of transforming laboratory management. Whether you operate a pathology lab, clinical research facility, or any other type of laboratory, investing in LIMS is a decision that promises to revolutionize your operations. Its integration of advanced technology, error reduction, streamlined workflow, enhanced quality control, and patient-focused features make it an indispensable tool in the healthcare industry. Embrace LIMS to stay ahead of the curve, enhance precision, boost efficiency, and deliver top-notch results while ensuring patient satisfaction.


With LIMS, the future of lab management is brighter than ever. It's time to invest in the future and take your laboratory operations to new heights with this powerful tool. Take advantage of the opportunity to be at the forefront of modern laboratory management. Invest in LIMS today, and reap the benefits of precision, efficiency, and quality.



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Keeping up with the fast-evolving world of trends means that smart work with innovation is required. Having a smart infrastructure built on informatics solutions can benefit the lab by implementing automation. Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a critical part of the system to be incorporated in all functioning laboratories for better results. The LIMS of today has gone far beyond just sample management invoking functions like resource management, workflow management, and many more. By adhering to the National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL) standards, labs can manage NABL quality indicators easily.

Quality control in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software:


Quality control in LIMS Software is the process of assurance of quality at every stage included in the automation system. It may also be called a statistical process used to evaluate the analytics produced in the patient’s results. The sampling of the product is continued after every successful stage until the end of the sample management process. Quality control is essential in LIMS used in clinical laboratories as the result cannot be tampered with. Quality control is done on three major factors in a clinical lab, which are:

  • Quality control on the sample
  • Quality control of the utilized equipment
  • Quality control for the process

For quality control of the sample, the result might either be quantitative or qualitative. This means that the result can either be a number count (hemoglobin count in the blood) or can define if the test result is positive or negative or can be limited to a few different values alone.

Quality control checks on the equipment or instrument are used to validate whether the instrument is operating within pre-defined specifications, inferring that patient test results are reliable. Once this validation is completed, the result of the patient can be used for further diagnosis.

Sample management:


Sample management is the primary process of a LIMS system. Any QC lab needs to analyze many kinds of samples depending on the industry of the laboratory. Our QC laboratory helps in the analyses of samples in a unique and distinct method. We have the following salient features for sample management:

  • Single-sample management and multi-sample management by using templated management techniques.
  • Sample recognition field that can easily identify the sample and log in the details, minimizing manual data entry.
  • Barcoded labels for sample tracking.
  • Implemented workflow automation features for reduced confusion and increased productivity.

Preparation and Method Execution:


  • We have predefined execution methods for sample tracking, analysis of tracking response, complaint reception, reducing the dead time, and overall increasing the efficiency of our system.
  • Special features for execution such as content uniformity, dissolution, stability, etc.
  • Strict preparation and method execution policies like standardization, tracking of reagents, control of the environment, trainees, and equipment analysis.

Report Management:


We understand the importance of report generation and sensitivity in handling the report data. Hence we have assembled the following features for report management:

  • Instant visualization of any abnormal notifications.
  • Configurable testing methodologies and calculation techniques for managing high variant products.
  • Multiple level approvals with comment entries for sensitive results.

Specialized Reporting:


  • Flexible facilities that are fully configurable to the product and customer level including layout, content, units, significant digits, etc.
  • Bi-directional integration with SAP-QM or SAP Batches for finished product testing. Interfaces to other ERP/MES systems are available.
  • Streamlined delivery of event notifications and results to end-users via e-mail, fax, etc.

Decision Support:


The documents like SOP, analytical, maintenance, etc. are version-controlled for ISO standard compliance.

Features:


As important as quality control is in laboratories, so is analyzing the proper features best suited for every laboratory and making use of them appropriately. Some important Quality control features are as follows:

  • Latest and updated versions of specifications are available on request.
  • Multi-level product specification management is made with controlled releases.
  • Sample management, sample storage, and reserve management are all done with accuracy.
  • Sample planning with the batch-wise process and test plan management is done.
  • Templated sample management by templating the sample at registration is effectively carried out for sample tracking.
  • Quality control is done at multi-level, multi-departmental, and multi-premises.
  • Workflow management with work schedule according to work plan for analysts and instruments alike.
  • Accuracy in result capture and OOT management.
  • Quality control on instruments by instrument calibration and regular maintenance scheduled at different time intervals with a proper update on status lock for instruments.
  • Training on the new releases and sample management for every instrument is carried out for every lab personnel
  • Any deviations from the original workflow are promptly recorded and validated.
  • Stability in the study module is maintained.

LIMS System quality control process allows managing the data of products, samples, and instruments alike regularly by monitoring at various levels. This ensures that quality can be monitored and, if necessary, actions to improve quality.

Using LIMS for Quality Control...

Keeping up with the fast-evolving world of trends .....  Read more

Effective Steps to Manage Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software


Upgrading your clinical laboratory might be the latest enhancement you are implementing in your lab. This upgrade means you are automating the key functions to easily maintain the workflow. To make sure that your systems work in a smooth, harmonized, and safe manner, consider installing a cloud-based Laboratory Information Management system in your Lab. The cloud-based LIMS is no doubt the best choice to make as it has many advantages. A few of these are:

  • The data stored in the cloud are fully encrypted, hence 100% data safety.
  • Cost saving as there is no need for server maintenance.
  • With effective data recovery, any data loss can be reverted.
  • No manpower is required as everything is stored in the cloud, unlike physical servers.

Below are some simple tips to effectively manage your Cloud-based Laboratory Information Management System:



Implement a Cloud-Based Service Desk:


The most important step to do while implementing a cloud-based LIMS system is to provide a mini web page for clients to find information that caters to the needs of every patient. The internet is the influence king of the virtual world; so most of your patients will visit your website first, before heading over to your lab. Set up a cloud-based service desk and assist your patients just like you would do in your physical laboratory premises.

Make sure the webpage has a live chat facility so your customers can chat about the types of tests they can do and laboratory locations. Providing a live chat facility can help you to follow up in case the customers log out of the page suddenly. Also, features such as patient portals and customer portals empower your customers to download reports through the website making them completely independent.

Ease of Mobility:


Investing in a LIMS mobile app or website is the biggest advantage that Cloud-based servers can provide a laboratory. Since the data is stored at a remote location and is not bound by the constraints of physical hardware on the premises, investing in a mobile version of your laboratory’s website or even an App is a good idea.

You can take patient satisfaction to another level when you offer your patients and potential patients the ease to reach or access their health information on the go. With a virtual service desk in place, going mobile would mean more and better interactions and increased patient satisfaction.

LIMS Software Staff Training:


It’s essential to train laboratory staff to unlock the full power of your LIMS software application. To utilize LIMS software effectively, you can segregate the employees, departments wise, and provide training accordingly. Delegating one person as the head of training in every department can take the responsibility of providing LIMS-related knowledge sharing and periodic training. LIMS software training can include configuration options, storage, and retrieval of data, managing your workflows, and reporting. Staff training in each department is very important for businesses to succeed.

Increase Speed of Operation:


LIMS Software, specifically designed for laboratory information management, plays a pivotal role in optimizing operations. With a focus on pathology lab software, LIMS efficiently monitors various aspects such as Sample monitoring, sample workflow processes, patient visit count, inventory flow, cash flow, consultant performance, and overall business fluctuations over time. Through the analysis of these metrics, LIMS issues performance-based documents and develops standard quality indicators and key performance indicators, providing a comprehensive solution for laboratory management.

Additionally, Cloud-based LIS (Laboratory Information System) enhances the speed of laboratory operations. While technology facilitates remote meetings, Cloud-based LIS goes a step further by enabling access to data from any location, granting the user the necessary access rights. This feature ensures a swift exchange of information, contributing to an overall increase in the speed of laboratory operations. By seamlessly connecting personnel across different locations, the Cloud-based LIS becomes a valuable asset in streamlining workflows and promoting efficiency within the laboratory environment.

Ease up the Implementation Process and Quality Indicators:


The constant check of quality to ensure stability in business is a major requirement for any industry. With clinical laboratory, it is more of a service quality check rather than product one. Hence, quality indicators are of utmost importance to a laboratory.

LIMS Software, specifically designed for laboratory information management, can efficiently monitor various aspects of laboratory operations such as Sample monitoring, sample workflow process, patient visit count, inventory flow, cash flow, consultant performance, and overall business fluctuations over a period. The system analyzes these metrics to issue performance-based documents, and through the utilization of cloud technology, LIMS can develop standard quality indicators and key performance indicators.

By integrating a cloud-based LIMS System into your laboratory functions, you can optimize processes and identify areas for improvement. This innovative solution allows you to identify and understand your business metrics, paving the way for enhanced business optimization through the power of cloud technology. Whether it's managing sample workflows or evaluating consultant performance, the inclusion of LIMS Software, tailored for pathology lab software, brings a comprehensive and efficient approach to managing laboratory operations.

5 Effective Steps to Manage LI...

Effective Steps to Manage Laboratory Information M.....  Read more

                                            

An Introduction to LIMS Software:

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is software that is used in labs for data management and to process a large number of lab samples to manage laboratory workflow. With LIMS, the lab can automate workflows, integrate instruments, and manage samples and associated information. Additionally, labs can produce valid results quickly and can track data across experiments to improve efficiency.

LIMS that are commonly used in clinical labs fall under the following categories:


The benefits of using LIMS Software in your lab are:

  • Workflow automation
  • Integrate instruments or other in-lab systems
  • Centralize access and storage of data
  • Track data from sequencing runs
  • Initiate downstream data analysis

The Efficiency of LIMS System:

The main purpose of using the LIMS System in a lab is to improve the efficiency of sample processing and management. Using LIMS would cut down on the need for manual tasks thereby increasing the accuracy of sample analysis. LIMS captures data automatically, gets processed, and is stored for future reference. The LIMs vendor you choose will define the proceeding process of the software.

Generally, the process of a LIMS is divided into five stages:

  • The sample is logged in after reception.
  • Assignment, scheduling, and tracking of the sample and the analytical workload.
  • Processing and quality control associated with the sample.
  • Storage of data associated with the sample analysis.
  • Inspection, approval, and compilation of the sample data for report generation and further analysis.

Types of LIS Modules Used In Clinical Laboratory:

The features of Laboratory Information System (LIS) have seen evolutionary growth over the years from sample tracking to enterprise resource planning for clinical and specialty laboratories.

A typical workflow pattern of a LIS in a clinical lab flows through three phases:

  • Pre-analytical: Specimen collection.
  • Analytical: testing of the specimens.
  • Post-analytical: Result review.

The LIS modules are used by various laboratory departments like:

  • Blood Bank
  • Immunology
  • Hematology
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical chemistry
  • Histopathology

Various Common Functionalities Used In LIMS:

With the progress in technology, the functions of a LIMS progress too. LIMS software is built in a way to support any upcoming progress while effectively working on a basic set of definite functionalities like the collection of data, tracking of samples, processing, data storage, and report generation.

Some of the core functionalities of LIMS are explained below:

Sample Management:

LIMS was created to help in the process of sample management systems occurring in laboratories. This system gets initiated when a sample is received in a laboratory and gets registered in a LIMS. Since a large number of samples are collected and analyzed in a day, it would be difficult to record the samples without the chance of being confused with other analyses. With LIMS, It would be easier to track the sample if it is labeled and assigned correctly by using RFID on the samples or barcodes.

The information collected and stored via a LIMS would fall under the following criteria:

  • Details about the person whose sample is taken.
  • Details of the doctor/clinic who recommended an analysis.
  • The tests/analysis needed to be taken on the sample.
  • Stages of the sample and destination.
  • Storing procedures.
  • Expected report generation date.
  • Record creation for future purposes.

Workflow Management:

The need for workflow management using a LIMS is as important as Sample management and record-holding. The accuracy of a working system does not just depend on the data; it needs an on-point process assessment where a LIMS system can be used. As the name indicates, workflow management helps automate workflows and assign work if delegated precisely in the software.

All you would have to do for better workflow management using LIMS is:

  • Enter proper codes to direct the LIMS system for a work assignment.
  • Configure the process flow of the work for sample analysis.
  • Assign exact instruments for the particular work.

Workflow management using a LIMS saves time and conducts the job with precision.

EMR/EHR Software:

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) / Electronic Health Record (EHR) is software that collects and stores information on the patient’s medical history in the form of records that can be shared via different healthcare mediums. Many LIMS have this EMR/EHR Software functionality built-in in their system. Using a LIMS with an EHR function will be a huge asset to your lab as the real-time data exchange can be made possible easily.

What is laboratory information...

           .....  Read more


Introduction:

Orbito Asia Labs and Scans is a comprehensive healthcare facility for imaging and diagnostic purposes. It contains the latest infrastructure with the best medical facilities operated by experienced and certified lab technicians with support staff. They strive to provide ultimate diagnostic services to their patients at an affordable price. They operate in about 20 locations and also have many processing centers across Tamilnadu and Bangalore.

Overview:

The main reason why Orbito Asia approached MocDoc was to manage multiple collection centers in different areas, also to keep track of samples and information about the patients, since they were using offline software these operations were not possible. MocDoc LIMS provided them with the best solutions for their problems and proved to be a handy software for managing multiple lab centers.

Challenges & Solutions:

MocDoc has always produced masterly solutions to many problems arising in the healthcare industry. Here is a list of problems Orbito Asia faced and its solutions,

Adapting to technology

Orbito Asia was handling their entire management process with offline software. As the magnitude of their labs kept increasing they opted to go for online software to increase their scalability and for better automation. Ultimately a firm that prides itself in having the latest technology didn’t want an offline software to hinder its progress.

MocDoc provided them a fully integrated software known as MocDoc LIMS System which allowed them to work online also rectify all the problems that they were facing while using offline software.MocDoc LIMS also increased the data security of the patients by following a centralized data storage method(SaaS).

Managing multiple centers

Orbito Asia has multiple centers across Tamilnadu so they needed proper software to organize their centers and track samples. They also needed solutions for organizing their tie-ups with other labs for B2B modules. So they eventually needed online software to perform multi-center organizing and sample tracking efficiently. 

MocDoc resolved all their problems by providing them with fully integrated software which helped them to carry out their expansions in multiple locations, and also delivered propitious results in sample tracking and managing B2B’s with which Orbito Asia has collaborated.

Avoiding duplicate registrations

Orbito Asia was following a manual entry of information regarding patient details, sample information, and center details in their previous offline software this created a situation of having duplicate entries. Also, offline software didn’t have the features to stay connected with multiple locations.

MocDoc approached them with deft solutions to rectify all the problems they previously faced. Our software supported Orbito Asia to collect all information about patients and Centers in a secure and organized manner, after which Orbito Asia has shown rapidly reduced errors in data collection and duplicate entries.

Tracking samples and result collaboration

Results for tests in Orbito Asia labs were often delayed due to a lack of features in their offline software for sample tracking, also they were facing some difficulties in tracking the revenue of their centers, outsourcing details, and their payment methods which led to a major problem in maintaining track records about company expenditures.

MocDoc provided them with a Home Collection application which precisely helped them to correct the problems in sample tracking and also helped them to reduce the turnaround time for collecting test results. For managing B2B relations MocDoc software allows them to easily track their invoices and pending payments since MocDoc is an online SaaS software we provide all results instantly without any delay.

Sending real-time updates using multimedia

Orbito Asia labs had to send regular updates to all the partner labs, marketing executives, and the patients who visit their lab. Due to the lack of a bulk messaging facility, these updates were given in the form of individual messages and emails causing a heavy workload and at times erroneous conveyance of messages.

With the help of MocDoc LIMS OrbitoAsia was able to send real-time updates of test results to the patient and also information was conveyed easily to marketing executives without any delay. The additional feature of using our software as it allows labs to also send bulk messages to their patients reducing the workload drastically.

Ultimate benefits

  • OrbitoAsia was able to efficiently maintain multiple Centers.

  • Managing and tracking samples was much easier in MocDoc LIMS.

  • Consistent Real-time accurate results are an added advantage.

  • OrbitoAsia was able to send bulk messages and e-mails also they were able to maintain Data privacy.

  • Reduced workload and improved efficiency in providing propitious results.

Growth outcome 

Orbito Asia has gained more than 70% of customer satisfaction this year. MocDoc LIMS Software simplified its entire process through its integrated scalable solutions. OrbitoAsia evaluated 100’s software and in that, they selected MocDoc software mainly for these three reasons,

  • Ease of use

  • Best Support services

  • Budget-Friendly Software

The Perfect Change, find how M...

Introduction:Orbito Asia Labs and Scans is a compr.....  Read more