Basics
What is a LIMS?
A LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) manages what happens in a laboratory from the sample to the test report: orders, samples, analyses, results, approvals and reports. It keeps the data in one place, traceable and at the same status for everyone involved.
At a glance
- In short
- Software that controls and documents the path of the sample through the laboratory, from order to test report.
- Typical functions
- Order and sample management, worklists, result entry, approval, test report, traceability, quality assurance.
- Distinction
- An ELN documents experiments, a spreadsheet calculates and lists, an ERP controls business processes. A LIMS is built around the sample.
- ISO/IEC 17025
- The standard requires controlled data and information systems (clause 7.11). A LIMS supports that and makes audits easier.
- eLABoraNET
- Configurable web-based LIMS from quotation to retained sample.
What a LIMS does in the laboratory
The core of a LIMS is the sample. It receives a unique identifier on arrival, and the system accompanies it through every step until the test report exists and the sample is retained or discarded.
- Order and sample: enquiry, quotation, order, sample receipt and labelling, for example with a barcode.
- Analysis: worklists, assignment of analyses and methods, instruments and test equipment.
- Results: entry by hand, through instrument interfaces or by import, with plausibility check and approval.
- Test report: reports from templates, with traceable approval.
- Traceability: who recorded, checked and changed what, and when?
- Evaluation: control samples, turnaround times and workload at a glance.
- Customers and billing: customer portal, invoice and interfaces to accounting.
LIMS, ELN, spreadsheet and ERP
| System | Focus | Typical limit in daily laboratory work |
|---|---|---|
| LIMS | Samples, orders, analyses, results and reports in routine operation. | Documenting individual experiments is not the focus. |
| ELN (electronic laboratory notebook) | Documentation of experiments and research work. | Mostly not built for sample flow and the test report in routine operation. |
| Spreadsheet | Flexible lists and calculations. | Permissions, approvals and change history have to be organised by hand. |
| ERP | Business processes such as purchasing, stock and accounting. | Mostly not built for the path of a sample through the laboratory. |
In practice these systems work together: the LIMS passes invoice data on to accounting, for example.
LIMS and ISO/IEC 17025
ISO/IEC 17025 describes the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Clause 7.11 covers data and information systems: systems that collect, process, store or report data must have their functionality assessed. They must be protected against unauthorised access, tampering and loss, and calculations and data transfers must be checked systematically.
A LIMS supports these controls and produces evidence, for example through roles and permissions, a traceable change history and approved reports. eLABoraNET is built to run laboratory processes according to the ISO/IEC 17025 criteria fully digitally and to make audits cleaner and easier.
When does a LIMS pay off?
A LIMS becomes interesting when lists and spreadsheets slow the laboratory down. Typical signs:
- The same details are entered by hand in several places.
- Only one person knows the status of a sample.
- Test reports are produced by copying and adapting templates.
- Several sites or teams work with different lists.
- Audits need a lot of preparation because evidence has to be gathered first.
What matters when you choose
Standard software or configurable system, operation in the browser or on site, connection of instruments and accounting, support for implementation and validation: the best test is the path of your own sample rather than a standard demo. Request a demo
Where eLABoraNET stands
eLABoraNET is a configurable web-based LIMS for diverse laboratory applications, with particularly extensive functions for environmental analysis and microbiology. It connects quotation, order, sampling, analysis, test report and billing up to the retained sample in twelve modules.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does LIMS stand for?
LIMS stands for Laboratory Information Management System.
What does a LIMS do?
It manages orders, samples, analyses, results and test reports and makes every step traceable.
Do I need a LIMS for ISO/IEC 17025?
The standard does not prescribe any particular software. It requires controlled data and information systems (clause 7.11). A LIMS brings permissions, change history and approvals together for that.
What is the difference between a LIMS and an ELN?
An ELN documents experiments and research work. A LIMS controls the path of the sample in routine operation up to the test report.
Can a LIMS accredit a laboratory?
The laboratory is accredited for its competence. A LIMS makes auditing easier because processes and evidence are available digitally.
Sources
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Read on
Next step
Which sample should we follow for you?
Tell us your use case. We show you the journey of your sample in eLABoraNET, with your workflows instead of a standard demo.