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2019121012:33:42

Is Cloud-Based SaaS Laboratory Management System right for your laboratory? 

Published by: Sanjana



In every industry, modern laboratories are under pressure to enhance operational efficiency, decrease costs, control regulatory compliance, and improve quality. Apart from this, the rise of CRO (Contract Research Organization) and R&D externalization strategies in the industry of pharmaceuticals has led to laboratories gathering enormous data from different partners, preceding a significant increase in the complexity of lab workflow.


LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) and informatics Solutions are being used in the pharmaceutical industry to meet these challenges. The main reason why cloud-based LIMS is preferred is due to its advanced features like 

● Decreased cost,

● Automatic software updates,

● Disaster and backup recovery services,

● Rapid implementation of LIMS,

● Flexibility,

● Security,

● Accessibility,

● Collaborations. 


One of the successful Laboratory solutions and laboratory report software used by most users is SaaS. Let's explore the SaaS in depth below. 


What is SaaS?

SaaS(Software as a Service), is one of the software distribution models and types of cloud computing like IaaS and PaaS. The third-party provider hosts the program rather than downloading and installing the software to run on your PC. Once the software is hosted, it's accessed over the internet by users via a web user interface.


Why SaaS, a cloud-based LIMS, is perfect for your lab? 

SaaS, pathology management software provides plenty of excellent benefits that make it the preferred option of every lab. According to the Forrester Research Inc. survey held last year, 15% of SMB (Small to Medium Businesses) and 16% of the larger organizations make use of SaaS. Compared to the previous year's research, the larger enterprise has seen a 33% increase in the Usage of SaaS. Considering the smaller enterprise, they have seen a 50% increase in SaaS. Below are some reasons to state why Cloud-based LIMS is the right option for your laboratory. 


Hosting Options:

Few providers provide the private cloud option that can host within your facility. The private cloud option offers different SaaS LIMS benefits but with fewer security risks. A cloud is public; either it can be private, single-tenant, or multi-tenant. It's easier to validate the single-tenant cloud when compared to the multi-tenant as they are less prone to intrusion or data leakage. 


Data Integrity and Audit Trails:

A permanent audit trail is vital for addressing different concerns in data integrity, both from the perspective of product and regulatory quality. You need to ensure that your SaaS LIMS holds a detailed and reliable audit trail for every piece of information. You also need to make sure that the data is maintained continuously on the various servers rather than on the data itself.

Apart from that, you need to ensure that your provider has set their system default to store a completely reliable and flexible audit trail. It also controls the network logs and detailed server. It offers data center third-party auditing insurance. You need to ensure your SaaS LIMS is capable of integrating with the other informatics systems and with your instruments.


Service Level Agreement:

You must develop a Service Level Agreement with your provider who will be able to address all of the above-concerned areas and more. A Service Level Agreement that is well written is capable of making the variation between a smooth execution & roll out of your SaaS time overruns, cost, and a few of the unexpected expenses incurred.


Security:

When dealing with a SaaS Laboratory Management System, you will depend upon your providers to secure your pieces of information as it is going to be stored in the cloud. Almost every cloud service provider offers excellent security for your valuable data.

Even though the data breach risk is less, few organizations that belong to heavily regulated areas hesitate to enable their information to move away from their firewall. Make sure you have evaluated the policies of your security thoroughly. It means you have your data secured adequately before working with SaaS LIMS.


Validation:

The important compliance responsibility with every regulation resets with the service provider or manufacturer. Most of the vendors advertise these cloud-based SaaS LIMS as a prevalidated system. But this refers to the network of cloud providers. You need to ensure that you get clear about the meaning of the prevalidated system by the vendor. Also, you need to know what scope is covered so that you can know your system is executed in the right way in the user environment.

Apart from that, SaaS LIMS cloud providers handle every clinical laboratory software patch and upgrade. It ensures that you utilize the system's recent version. You need to understand who should manage revalidation once there is an upgrade or patches take place. 


Business Continuity:

You need to understand how data recovery and backup can be handled, and also explore who is the reason and responsible for it. The details of the guarantee like service, response time, hardware, uptime, etc. provided by the provider should be stated clearly in the SLA (Service Level Agreement). Apart from that, the Service Level Agreement should contain the details of recovery and backup services that are included. Also, it should hold the cost incurred by exploring a few of the optional services.


System Failover:

There can't be anyone who didn't use Google. For instance, what will happen in case a rogue asteroid crashes into the server farms of Google? Nothing happens. Airtight failover technology and Mirrored servers indicate that the news service will display the crater's aerial photos, which once acted as the server farm. High availability and uptime are included in the terms & conditions of the cloud deals that are negotiated in any form.


Instrument Interfacing:

The complexity of the SaaS LIMS is challenging. Private, hosted, and On-Premises cloud LIMS is capable of handling instrument interfacing in the same manner. It is difficult to understand the SaaS LIMS cloud providers' ability, track record, and philosophy when you deal with the instrument interface.


Economics of Scale:

SaaS LIMS cloud providers provide you with more or less due to the technology's specialized use. As many customers utilize identical resources at the same cost, data centers, are slashed, and then the savings are passed to the customer. 


Bottom Line:

In the past few years, technology providers have developed cloud-based SaaS LIMS based on market demand. SaaS LIMS enables to facilitate enhanced scalability, agility, innovation, and connectivity across the lab environment. It helps to increase efficiency in operation as well as decrease cost. The decision to make use of a cloud-based SaaS LIMS will be taken into step by a mix of various concerns like regulatory, operations, and security. The best way to ensure that your corporation benefits the higher from a SaaS approach to a laboratory information management system is to work with a top-notch informatics consultant.

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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 inform...

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Published by: Sanjana 2018080807:57:04


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.

Why should you invest in ...

A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS): Why Do Yo.....

Published by: Sowmya 2018053118:00:18


Save time on complex machines at your lab with MocDoc’s laboratory information management system integration.  

We are excited to share with you the news that MocDoc LIMS software has now enabled the integration of Myla software, Siemens Advia centaur CP, Siemens Advia centaur XP, and Helena SAS-3/Helena SAS-4 machine interfacing. This news comes big as labs had it challenging with minimum LIMS software options globally to integrate with these machines, and the MocDoc laboratory information management system is now one of the few LIMS software providers to achieve this milestone.

So what are the Problems the lab faced and why did they want this?
Laboratories, big or small, have all their machines and instruments integrated into a laboratory management system which automates larger parts of their workflow. Machine interfacing helps the labs to 

  • Reduce the manual intervention of technicians, 
  • Reduce the time taken to complete every testing process
  • Improve the quality of data
  • Handle large amounts of samples and more

However, with few complex machines where LIMS integration was a hurdle, labs noticed that they were not achieving their maximum efficiency. The quality of data was affected, and only a few samples were completely analyzed in the given time, not making it possible for labs to handle large amounts of samples, which made it challenging for the labs with minimum laboratory information management system options to integrate with the machines.


Machines and the challenges they posed for MocDoc:

Helena SAS-3/Helena SAS-4 Machine interfacing: This machine is quite an intriguing one. Why? Well, unlike other machines that give results in the form of points or negative or positive, Helena SAS rolls out a gel image on a transparent sheet which is then scanned to get results that are still hard to interpret. 

With no option to interface the software with LIMS, lab technicians had to manually record data and enter it into the laboratory management system every time!“laboratory information management system interfacing for Helena SAS-3/Helena SAS-4 is quite challenging. Most LIMS software providers have tried and failed at it.” Says Lab In-charge in Malabar Cancer Center.

This Intrigued the interest of MocDoc’s tech-savvy developers, who accepted the challenge and have achieved and Onboarded Helena SAS-3/Helena SAS-4 machine integration into the MocDoc laboratory management system. 

Myla software interfacing: Myla software in labs is interfaced with three machines- Bact/Alert, Vitek 2, and Vitek MS, each performing a stage in the culture testing process. Myla consolidates data from these machines at every stage and streamlines the culture workflow. With MocDoc integrating with Myla software, lab technicians no longer have to manually record data from Myla and enter it into the laboratory management system.

Siemens lab Machine interfacing: Siemens Advia Centaur CP and Siemens Advia Centaur XP are high throughput immunoassay analyzers that deliver improved efficiency in laboratories. These machines demand a high-performance laboratory management system for interfacing. MocDoc using its highly efficient and powerful interfacing engine has completed the interfacing of these machines.


MocDoc laboratory information management system has so far completed 500+ machine integrations and continues to add more!

Complex machine integrati...

Save time on complex machines at your lab with MocDoc’s labor.....

Published by: Rithika S 2022042616:59:18


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