What are the Criteria to choose the best Laboratory Information System

1. CRITERIA TO CHOOSE BEST LABORATORY INFORMATION SYSTEM ~ By Sanjana

2. Introduction Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a software-based solution that is used in labs for data management and to process a large number of lab samples to manage laboratory workflow. Evaluating and choosing the right LIMS must be done after analyzing some salient features like cost, interface, the ability of the system to evolve based on your future requirements etc. In this blog, we will help you evaluate the best and cost-effective laboratory information system that will suit your requirement in the best way. 2

3. What to Choose Between Online and Offline Model of LIMS The offline model of LIMS software is an outdated one. Some disadvantages of using offline LIMS are: Not user-friendly. No mobile app facilities Reports can be generated. But patients have to get the reports directly visiting the premises. Patients record not synchronized with multiple lab locations In case of server crash, there is no possibility of getting data back. Less data security. Future technology updates are tough to install Maintenance is high. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● The offline LIMS has some defects. Due to its unavailability online 24/7, the data collected can be stored only in a desktop, increasing the chances of data loss. The offline LIMS is best suited for small laboratories with only one clinical lab 3

4. Why is Online Model of LIMS the Best Choice The online model of LIMS is based totally on the cloud. Hence the data can be viewed from anywhere in the world if they are updated on the cloud. Monitoring live instrument data with the right tools will allow your company to make faster decisions with accurate information and support the on-time delivery of reports. A time-consuming, manual process will be transformed into a fast, automated process, where human errors in collecting and processing information will be reduced to zero, allowing the company to concentrate its resources on its core functions and attain higher productivity and efficiency in its work. Some benefits of online LIMS are: Low Maintenance cost. Instrument data storage for auditing purposes. Interface that works with any Database or LIMS. Get future updates as notifications Secure environment Track updates with mobile app ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 4

5. Choosing The Right LIMS For You Choosing the right Laboratory Information system depends purely on the requirement of the lab and the processes involved in it. You have to know the exact way in which the user data have to be logged in and the ways of analyses. This way you can easily find the exact LIMs software that would suit your requirement the best. Some of the requirements of a laboratory include: ○ Functional requirements ○ IT requirements ○ Interface requirements ○ Data management requirements ○ Error handling 5

6. It is best advised to have business flow diagrams that will clarify the workflow, requirements, process in the lab. This business flow diagram will help in considering the instruments and systems involved in the lab that needs to be interfaced with the software for harmonized workflow. 6

7. Understanding the Functionality Requirements Understanding the requirements of your laboratory systems cannot be explained enough as the utmost important feature for choosing the right type of LIMS. A LIMS software used for mining of oil and gas cannot be used completely for clinical purposes. Before investing on LIMS software by any vendor, it is vital to check that the software completely fulfills the needs of the laboratory. This includes from the process of sample collection and data entry to the process of report generation and saving of reports. The functional requirements should be clearly listed and cross-checked regularly even after implementation in the system. Some of the functional requirements that need to be checked in a LIMS are 7

8. Understanding the Functionality Requirements ○ Laboratory Test Processing. ○ Test scheduling. ○ Sample collection methods. ○ Sample Tracking. ○ Instrument control. ○ Report generation. ○ Quality control and Quality assurance. ○ Statistical analysis. ○ Resource management. ○ Laboratory Safety and Accident Prevention techniques. Once the use cases that include the kind of user type is, sample logging method and result publishing are quantified, your functional requirements will get a lot clearer paving you for the best suitable LIMS purchase. 8

9. LIMS FUTURE UPGRADES Choosing LIMS after a thorough analysis of your current needs is the best way of making an apt choice. However, the future in laboratory management might evolve with the changing technologies and more convenient workflow. Keeping that in mind, choose software from a vendor which is best suited for both your current needs and all your future needs. 9

10. Seeking advice on the improvement of the system might be too late when the implementation of LIMS software has already taken place. Jot down your requirements clearly and analyze the same with your team of experts who can justify the need for improvement based on futuristic updates. When businesses want to add more location, tie up with B2Bs, add home collection module, NABL policy changes, the LIMS software should be able to upgrade and adopt it. This will ensure that your business is on-speed with the technology involved and can easily benefit from it in terms of productivity and workflow management. 10

11. LIMS Mobile Application Using LIS is the best method for automation of Laboratory technologies. This implies that the process of computing of sample analyses must be done faster, more efficiently and there is easy workflow management with mobile apps. 11

12. LIMS Mobile Application Types of LIMS mobile apps ● Home Collection App ● Runner App ● Laboratory Owner App ● B2B App ● Patient App LIS which helps pathologists approve data from anywhere is the most efficient system and can be extremely useful to labs and doctors alike. This saves a lot of time on the workflow. Automation of doctor approval in a mobile app can help LIS make more decision quickly. These were some basic points that might help you choose the best-suited LIS for your laboratory. Choose a cost-effective software for your lab, but don’t miss on the quality or vendor credibility while choosing the right LIS for your laboratory. 12

13. 24 / 7 SUPPORT SYSTEM When you choose a LIMS software, make sure you are provided with a 24/7 support facilities. When you face any issues with the LIMS software, you can contact professionals anytime anywhere and get the issues resolved quickly. the support and from 13

14. DATA SECURITY IN LIMS Security of data is the most basic need for any kind of industry; especially one involving the data and reports of patients. Implementation of a LIMS is specifically done to make the process easier and more secured, safeguarding information from misuse. This has to be done while improving the knowledge level in the organization about the system by sharing the lab information accessible across various departments globally in the organization. the patient 14

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