2019101512:46:38

10 Signs You Should Invest in Lab Information management system

Published by: Sanjana

The rise of new technologies has made the volume of data drastically increasing day by day. The data volume generated globally across clinical research, biobanks, and other relevant testing laboratories are developing at a faster rate. Surviving the vast data volume and influencing it for research or business is stimulative for labs, especially if they don't possess a regulated mechanism to use and process the data.

One of the crucial reasons to invest in the Lab Information Management System (LIMS) is that it is used for organizing the data disregarding what type of industry you belong to. Information availability and rapid data growth have resulted in the extensive evolution of data management. Below are ten vital signs that state why you should invest in a LIMS.

1. Your laboratory holds higher operational costs:

Leading the particular portion of the allotted funds into laboratory personnel for management and data entry operations.

A Lab Information Management System frees human resources from time consuming and unproductive tasks, and therefore, they are considered as the high saver for your data entry and management operations. You will be able to pay-as-you-go on any basis like monthly or yearly if you prefer to go with a cloud-based LIMS. This means that you no need to make any investments towards hardware installations.

2. You hold transcriptional data entry errors and are not able to share information (data silos):

It indicates poor data traceability, problems with connecting data across various data sources & instruments, and data's manual input leading to transcriptional errors.

A Lab Information Management System combines with other data sources and instruments flawlessly and manages the data in the laboratory in an enhanced manner. LIMS automated calculations save time and decrease errors for laboratory personnel. Apart from this, the information can also be retrieved accurately at any time.

3. When there is a risk in your laboratory data:

The sign is when you are not able to grab access to perceptive clinical information, no reliability, not able to follow the regulations based on your industries, making use of paper-based systems and spreadsheets to manage data in your laboratory.

A Lab Information Management System provided enhanced reliability and data security by matching the industry-related standards, namely 21 CFR Part 11, HIPAA, and more. It also protects perceptive clinical information by hindering user access of unauthorized persons.

4. When your laboratory has an inferior disaster management system:

Insufficiency of a suitable mechanism for data storage and retrieval in the event of theft, fire, or natural calamities.

A Lab Information Management System ensures data continual by copying data to mirror servers, storing data on the primary servers, and also make sure on the timely backups. The information can be managed in case of any theft, fire, or natural disasters.

5. When you don't have real-time data metrics:

The sign indicates when there are no updates to laboratory clients and users on sample processing stages when there are no notifications and alerts for sample expiry or inventory depletion, and when there is no real-time display of metrics of the laboratory in the main dashboard to watch out important problems.

A Lab Information Management System alerts you regarding the inventory depletion or assists in identifying expired samples with the help of alarms, and this makes sure about the timely inventory replenishment. The LIMS also helps you to stay updated on testing or processing samples in your labs by sending application notification or email alerts so that you will be able to know the critical problems instantly.

6. When your laboratory has poor traceability and limited data storage capacity:

The sign is when there are any difficulties in tracing the possible data instantly by searching over different piles of paper data when generating an extensive amount of sample information with the help of paperwork, and when there are too many piles of paper data in the labs, limiting the capacity in the data storage.

A Lab Information Management System assists in managing information electronically and helps to decrease paperwork. You can accurately and instantly trace information with the help of different tools. A cloud-based LIMS protects the data in the cloud, and this data is accessible in real-time and 24/7 available anywhere.

7. When your laboratory is unable to reach the expected productivity:

Delayed Turnaround Times and experimental analysis over industry averages, and influencing human resources for auditing, manual data entry, report generation are the vital signs.

A Lab Information Management System helps labs to plan data management effectively, accelerate operations, and execute different business decisions. It also helps in generating rapid reports and control an audit trail along with time stamp and date.

8. When you have sustainability problems:

When your competitors receive more orders when compared to you and when there are insufficient business agility and responsiveness.

A Lab Information Management System can help in making your laboratory business active amid the complicated global market.

9. When your laboratory lacks collaboration scientifically:

When there requires a high sample turn around time and data duplication for sharing with collaborators and partners.

A Lab Information Management System, particularly in the case of cloud-based, helps in decreasing errors, avoid data duplication, enables accelerated turn around time, and effective collaboration. Apart from this, it also allows us to achieve higher profit, market share, and productivity.

10. When you have no capabilities in customizing for your different data management methods:

Applying new changes to the existing data manually to the older records, and where there is no customizations option available with spreadsheets and paper-based systems.

A Lab Information Management System enables customization as per your requirements and is also considered as the highly configurable solution. Any new changes can be applied instantly on the original records and therefore saves more time.

I hope the above signs let you choose the right LIMS Software. Any other queries and comments on the Lab Information Management System are welcome.

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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 Mana...

Effective Steps to Manage Laboratory Information Management S.....

Published by: Sanjana 2018082415:59:00

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 ...

Introduction:Orbito Asia Labs and Scans is a comprehensive he.....

Published by: Keerthivasan 2019062715:47:23

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 most cost-effective laboratory information system that will suit your requirements in the best way.

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 by visiting the premises.
The patient's record is not synchronized with multiple lab locations
In case of a server crash, there is no possibility of getting data back. Less data security.
Future technology updates are tough to install
Maintenance is high.

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.

Why is the 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.
An interface that works with any Database or LIMS.
Get future updates as notifications
Secure environment
Track updates with the mobile app

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 has to be logged in and the ways of analysis. This way you can easily find the exact LIMs software that would suit your requirements the best. Some of the requirements of a laboratory include:

Functional requirements
IT requirements
Interface requirements
Data management requirements
Error handling

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

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 the mining of oil and gas cannot be used completely for clinical purposes. Before investing in LIMS software from any vendor, it is vital to check that the software completely fulfills the needs of the laboratory. This includes 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:

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, sample logging method, and result publishing are quantified, your functional requirements will get a lot clearer paving you for the best suitable LIMS purchase.

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 of laboratory management might evolve with the changing technologies and more convenient workflow. Keeping that in mind, choose software from a vendor that is best suited for both your current needs and all your future needs.

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 locations, tie up with B2Bs, add a 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.

LIMS Mobile Applications

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

Types of LIMS mobile apps:

Home Collection App
Runner App
Laboratory Owner App
B2B App
Patient App

LIS helps pathologists approve data from anywhere in 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 decisions quickly.

These were some basic points that might help you choose the best-suited LIS for your laboratory. Choose cost-effective software for your lab, but don’t miss on the quality or vendor credibility while choosing the right LIS for your laboratory.

24/7 Support System

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

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 secure, safeguarding the patient 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.

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What are the criteria to ...

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a software.....

Published by: Sanjana 2018081712:24:50

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 Co...

Keeping up with the fast-evolving world of trends means that .....

Published by: Sanjana 2018082215:58:39