The Path of a Sample in a LIMS: from Registration to Release
Real-Time Data is Key to Quality Assurance and better Decisions
Sample management is at the heart of many laboratory processes. It is not just about the physical handling of samples, but above all about the efficient, traceable and error-free documentation of all data and processes. A laboratory information management system (LIMS) helps laboratories to digitize and automate the entire sample workflow. In this blog article, we give you a detailed view at the path of a sample in a LIMS – from capture and registration to release – and show you how a LIMS optimizes work in the laboratory.
Video tutorial: Experience the Sample Workflow in LIMS
In our video tutorial, we show step by step how a sample is processed in LIMS – from initial registration to final release. The video is exclusively available.
How can I access the video tutorial?
For the video tutorial, simply click on the image or on the button above and fill out the short form to gain full access. This way you can get a practical impression of how a LIMS optimizes everyday laboratory work and existing workflows. If you have any technical problems, please contact marketing[at]uptodata.com.
The Sample Workflow – Step by Step
1. Sample Registration: the first Step towards Traceability
In a typical manufacturing company, every product undergoes several quality checks. The journey of a sample begins with its registration in the LIMS. Each sample is recorded and given a unique identifier, which serves as the basis for overall traceability. This identification is usually automated, e.g. via a barcode scanner that generates a sample ID.
Important information such as sample type, sampling date, associated projects, and responsible employees are stored. This clear entry ensures that no data is lost and that the sample can be clearly assigned at any time.
2. Assignment of Analyses: the next Step in the Workflow
After registration, the sample is automatically assigned to the corresponding analyses and tests. This is done on the basis of predefined rules that take into account, for example, the sample type, the scope of analysis or customer-specific requirements.
A modern LIMS makes it possible to design the entire process flexibly:
- Samples can be grouped into batches and processed accordingly.
- Responsible employees or departments are automatically notified.
- Priorities can be defined to give priority to urgent analyses.
These automated task allocations minimize communication effort and sources of error, and ensure a clear structure. Not only is the amount of resources required drastically reduced, but data quality and data integrity are also significantly improved.
3. Data Acquisition and Integration: from the Device to the System
The real added value of a LIMS only becomes apparent when it is seamlessly integrated into the laboratory’s existing equipment environment. As soon as the samples are assigned to the analyses, data acquisition begins. This is where a LIMS comes into its own: It integrates seamlessly into the laboratory’s equipment environment. Analysis devices such as balances, spectrometers, chromatographs or other measuring instruments can be connected directly to the LIMS so that measurement results flow into the system in real time.
Advantages of this data integration:
- Manual transmission of measured values is no longer necessary, which reduces errors.
- Results are automatically and directly assigned to the corresponding samples.
- All data is stored centrally and is available for evaluations or reports.
The LIMS ensures that no intermediate steps are necessary and that all information is recorded digitally in one system.
4. Inspection and Approval Process: Automated and Traceable
Once the analyses have been completed, the testing and approval process takes place. Based on defined criteria and limit values, a decision is made as to whether the sample must be released, retested or appropriate measures initiated.
A LIMS offers numerous options for efficiently organizing the sample workflow:
- Results are automatically compared with reference values and the system highlights deviations.
- Test reports can be generated in just a few seconds, including all relevant data and results.
- If limits are exceeded, those responsibles are automatically informed so that immediate action can be taken if necessary.
The entire history of a sample – from registration to release – is fully documented. This facilitates audits and ensures maximum transparency and data integrity.
Conclusion: The Path to Efficiency and Transparency
A LIMS is more than just software – it is the central tool for structuring and automating sample processes. From the first contact with the sample to the final release, a LIMS ensures maximum efficiency, data integrity and transparency.
The solution enables the laboratory to focus on its core tasks as it automates routine processes and reduces potential errors at the same time.
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