Welcome to this glossary of terms for Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) terms. As scientific research becomes increasingly data-intensive, electronic laboratory notebooks are rapidly becoming an essential tool for researchers to record, store, and manage experimental data. This glossary is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the key terms and concepts related to electronic laboratory notebooks. From alignment and audit trails to variant analysis and sequencing data, this glossary covers a wide range of topics related to electronic laboratory notebooks. Whether you’re a scientist looking to adopt an ELN or an experienced user, this glossary is a valuable resource for navigating the world of electronic laboratory notebooks.
- Alignment: The process of comparing two or more DNA or protein sequences to identify similarities and differences.
- Audit trail: A record of all actions taken in an electronic laboratory notebook to ensure traceability and accountability.
- Bug fix: A software patch or update provided by the ELN vendor to fix a software error or problem.
- Chemical inventory: A record of the chemicals and reagents used in experiments, which may include information such as quantity, location, and expiration date.
- Collaboration: The ability for multiple users to work together on a single project or experiment within an electronic laboratory notebook.
- Collaborative experiments: Experiments conducted by multiple researchers, often in different locations or at different times, who share data and work together to analyze and interpret the results.
- Compliance: Adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, such as the FDA’s 21 CFR Part 11, for electronic records and signatures.
- Conclusion: A summary of the results of an experiment, including any implications or recommendations based on the findings.
- CRISPR: A gene editing tool that allows for precise and targeted modifications to DNA sequences.
- Data acquisition: The process of collecting and recording data during an experiment, which may involve instruments or manual methods.
- Data analysis: The process of examining and interpreting data to extract meaningful insights and conclusions.
- Data backup and recovery: The process of backing up electronic laboratory notebook data to prevent loss and recovering lost data if necessary.
- Derived data: Data that has been processed or analyzed to derive new information or insights.
- Data integration: The process of combining data from multiple sources into a single electronic laboratory notebook or system.
- Data management: The process of collecting, storing, and organizing electronic laboratory notebook data.
- Data mining: The process of extracting valuable information and insights from electronic laboratory notebook data.
- Data validation: The process of verifying the accuracy and completeness of electronic laboratory notebook data.
- Data visualization: The process of displaying electronic laboratory notebook data in a visual format, such as graphs or charts, to facilitate interpretation and analysis.
- Digital signature: A secure electronic signature used to authenticate electronic laboratory notebook records and data.
- Document management: The process of organizing and managing electronic laboratory notebook documents, such as PDFs, images, and spreadsheets.
- Electronic lab notebook: A digital tool used to record and store experimental data and observations.
- Electronic lab notebook compliance: The process of ensuring that the use of electronic lab notebooks is compliant with relevant regulations and standards.
- Electronic lab notebook migration: The process of transferring data from one electronic lab notebook system to another.
- Electronic lab notebook training: The process of training users on the proper use of the electronic lab notebook system.
- Electronic lab notebook validation: The process of verifying that the electronic lab notebook system is functioning correctly and meeting the requirements of its users.
- Electronic signatures: A digital signature used to authenticate laboratory records and data.
- ELN customization: The process of customizing the ELN system to meet the specific needs of a site, experiment or process.
- ELN integration: The process of connecting the electronic lab notebook system to other laboratory systems, such as LIMS or instrument control software.
- ELN migration: The process of transferring data from one ELN system to another.
- ELN training: The process of training users on the proper use of the ELN system.
- ELN validation: The process of verifying that the ELN system is functioning correctly and meeting the requirements of its users.
- Equipment inventory: A record of the equipment used in experiments, which may include information such as model number, location, and maintenance history.
- Experiment design: The process of planning and organizing the details of an experiment, including variables, procedures, and expected outcomes.
- Experiment management: The process of managing and tracking experiments and associated data within an electronic laboratory notebook.
- Experiment templates: Preconfigured forms or protocols used to standardize the process of creating and conducting experiments.
- Feature request: A suggestion or proposal made by electronic lab notebook users to the vendor for new features or enhancements to the software.
- Gene editing: The process of making precise modifications to an organism’s DNA, often using CRISPR technology.
- Gene expression analysis: The process of measuring the activity of genes in a sample, often using techniques such as RNA sequencing or microarrays.
- Help desk: A support service provided by the ELN vendor to customers or users who require assistance with the software.
- Instrument integration: The process of connecting laboratory instruments to the electronic laboratory notebook for data transfer and analysis.
- Knowledge management: The process of capturing and sharing knowledge and expertise within an organization through the electronic laboratory notebook.
- Laboratory informatics: The field that focuses on the development and use of software and technology to manage laboratory data and information.
- Laboratory information management system (LIMS): A software system used for managing and analyzing laboratory data, which includes electronic laboratory notebooks.
- Laboratory notebooks: A traditional paper-based method of recording experimental data and observations.
- Laboratory safety: The process of ensuring the safety of laboratory personnel and the environment during experiments.
- Maintenance support: Assistance provided by the ELN vendor to customers to maintain the software and ensure its proper functioning.
- Measurements: Quantitative data recorded during an experiment, such as weight, temperature, or concentration.
- Metadata: Information about electronic laboratory notebook data, such as date, time, user, and location, that is used for tracking and analysis.
- Mobile access: The ability to access electronic laboratory notebook data and functionality from a mobile device.
- Notebook templates: Preconfigured forms used to record and store electronic laboratory notebook data and observations.
- Nucleotide sequence: The linear arrangement of nucleotides in a DNA or RNA molecule, often used to identify specific genes or genetic variations.
- Observations: Qualitative data recorded during an experiment, such as notes or photographs.
- Online collaboration: The ability to collaborate with other users on an electronic laboratory notebook project or experiment in real time over the internet.
- On-site support: Assistance provided by the ELN vendor to customers or users in person at their laboratory or workplace.
- Permissions and access control: The ability to set different levels of access and permissions for users of the electronic laboratory notebook based on their job functions and responsibilities.
- Plasmid editing: The process of modifying plasmids, which are small DNA molecules often used in genetic engineering and biotechnology.
- Plate reader: An instrument used to measure and analyze samples in a sample plate, often used for high-throughput screening and analysis.
- Plate replication: The process of transferring samples from one sample plate to another, often to create replicates for experimental purposes.
- Plate template: A pre-designed template used to create a sample plate map in the ELN.
- Project management: The process of managing and tracking laboratory projects and associated data within an electronic laboratory notebook.
- Protocol: A set of instructions that outlines the steps required to perform a particular experiment.
- Quality assurance (QA): The process of ensuring that experimental data and processes meet established quality standards.
- Quality control: Measures taken to ensure the accuracy and precision of experimental results.
- Query and reporting: The ability to search and retrieve electronic laboratory notebook data and generate reports for analysis and review.
- Raw data: The unprocessed data collected during an experiment, which may require further analysis or manipulation.
- Record retention: The process of storing electronic laboratory notebook records for long-term preservation and access.
- Regulatory compliance: Adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, such as FDA’s 21 CFR Part 11, for electronic records and signatures.
- Reproducibility: The ability of an experiment to be replicated by other researchers or in other settings, often a measure of the reliability of the results.
- Remote support: Assistance provided by the ELN vendor to customers or users via remote communication methods, such as phone, email, or video conferencing.
- Results: The outcome of an experiment, including any data or conclusions drawn from the analysis.
- Risk assessment: The process of identifying and evaluating potential risks associated with an experiment, and implementing measures to mitigate or prevent those risks.
- Sample preparation: The process of preparing samples for analysis, which may involve extraction, purification, or concentration.
- Scientific data management: The process of collecting, organizing, and analyzing scientific data within the electronic laboratory notebook.
- Search functionality: The ability to search electronic laboratory notebook data using keywords, tags, or other criteria.
- Security: The process of protecting electronic laboratory notebook data and systems from unauthorized access, modification, or destruction.
- Signature capture: The process of electronically capturing and storing signatures for authentication of electronic laboratory notebook records and data.
- Standard operating procedure (SOP): A documented procedure that outlines the steps required to perform a laboratory process or task within the electronic laboratory notebook.
- Storage management: The process of managing and optimizing electronic laboratory notebook data storage to ensure optimal performance and capacity.
- Tech support: Assistance provided by the ELN vendor to customers who encounter technical issues or problems with the software.
- Troubleshooting: The process of identifying and resolving issues or problems with the ELN software or hardware.
- Upgrade support: Assistance provided by the ELN vendor to customers to upgrade the software to a newer version or release.
- User support: Assistance provided by the ELN vendor to users who require help or guidance with the software.
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs): A documented procedure that outlines the steps required to perform an experiment or laboratory process.
- Sample dilution: The process of diluting a sample to a desired concentration, often used in experiments to achieve a specific range of values or to avoid saturation.
- Sample disposal: The process of disposing of samples that are no longer needed or that pose a hazard, often following established laboratory protocols and regulations.
- Sample inventory management: The process of managing and tracking laboratory samples, including their location, quantity, and other relevant information, often using a LIMS or other laboratory information management system.
- Sample plate map: A diagram or image of the layout of samples on a sample plate or microtiter plate.
- Sample transfer: The process of transferring a sample from one container or location to another, often using pipettes or other laboratory equipment.
- Sample storage: The process of storing samples in a controlled environment to preserve their integrity and prevent degradation, often using specialized sample storage systems and equipment.
- Sample tracking: The process of tracking the movement of a sample from one location to another within the laboratory, often using barcode labels or other identifiers.
- Sequencing data: Data generated from sequencing DNA or RNA samples, often used to identify genetic mutations or variations.
- Variant analysis: The process of identifying and characterizing genetic variants or mutations, often using sequencing data.