Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are a critical tool for managing laboratory data and processes in a variety of industries, from healthcare to pharmaceuticals to environmental testing. As the use of LIMS has grown, so has the need for a standardized vocabulary to describe the many concepts and terms involved. In this blog post, we provide a glossary of 75 key LIMS terms, from “Analyte” to “User roles,” to help professionals in the field navigate this complex and rapidly-evolving area. Whether you are a LIMS user, administrator, or vendor, this glossary will provide a valuable resource for understanding and communicating about LIMS-related topics.
- Analyte: A chemical substance or component that is being measured or analyzed in a sample.
- Audit management: The process of managing and conducting internal and external audits of laboratory data and processes.
- Audit trail: A record of all actions taken in a LIMS, including changes to data or settings, to ensure traceability and accountability.
- Barcode: A machine-readable code used for identifying samples and other laboratory items.
- Batch processing: The process of analyzing multiple samples simultaneously, often using automation to increase throughput and efficiency.
- Calibration: The process of adjusting an instrument to ensure its accuracy and reliability.
- Chain of custody: The record of custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of samples and their related data.
- Chain of custody tracking: The process of tracking the movement and handling of samples and data to ensure data integrity and security.
- Compliance management: The process of ensuring that laboratory processes and data comply with relevant regulations and standards.
- Dashboard: A graphical representation of laboratory data and metrics used to monitor laboratory performance.
- Data archiving: The process of storing laboratory data for long-term preservation and access.
- Data backup and recovery: The process of backing up laboratory data to prevent loss and recovering lost data if necessary.
- Data integration: The process of combining data from multiple sources into a single database or system.
- Data management: The process of collecting, storing, and organizing laboratory data.
- Data mining: The process of extracting valuable information and insights from laboratory data.
- Data validation: The process of verifying the accuracy and completeness of laboratory data.
- Data visualization: The process of displaying laboratory data in a visual format, such as graphs or charts, to facilitate interpretation and analysis.
- Electronic data capture (EDC): The process of collecting and managing clinical trial data electronically.
- Electronic data interchange (EDI): The electronic exchange of laboratory data between different systems or organizations.
- Electronic health record (EHR): A digital record of a patient’s medical history and health information.
- Electronic laboratory reporting (ELR): The process of electronically reporting laboratory data to public health agencies.
- Electronic lab notebook (ELN): A digital tool used to record and store laboratory data and observations.
- Electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) templates: Preconfigured forms used to record and store laboratory data and observations.
- Electronic signature: A digital signature used to authenticate laboratory records and data.
- Electronic signature and record act (ESRA): A U.S. federal law that defines the legality of electronic signatures and records.
- Instrument: A device used for analysis, such as a spectrometer or chromatograph.
- Instrument calibration history: A record of the calibration activities performed on an instrument, which is used to demonstrate instrument performance and accuracy.
- Instrument interfacing: The process of connecting laboratory instruments to the LIMS for data transfer and analysis.
- Instrument maintenance: The process of maintaining and repairing laboratory instruments to ensure their reliability and accuracy.
- Laboratory accreditation: The process of assessing and accrediting laboratories based on their compliance with established standards.
- Laboratory automation: The use of technology to automate laboratory processes, such as sample preparation and analysis.
- Laboratory data management system (LDMS): A software system used for managing and analyzing laboratory data, which includes LIMS, ELNs, and other laboratory systems.
- Laboratory-derived test result (LDTR): A laboratory test result that is electronically transmitted to an electronic health record or other health information system.
- Laboratory-developed test (LDT): A laboratory test that is developed and validated by a laboratory for its own use, rather than being commercially available.
- Laboratory informatics: The field that focuses on the development and use of software and technology to manage laboratory data and information.
- Laboratory information exchange (LIE): The exchange of laboratory data between different systems or organizations.
- Laboratory information management software: A software system used to manage laboratory data, often incorporating features such as instrument interfacing, data analysis, and reporting.
- Laboratory information portal: A web-based platform used to access laboratory data, reports, and other information.
- Laboratory information system (LIS): A system used to manage and store laboratory data and information.
- Laboratory inventory management: The process of managing and tracking laboratory inventory, including reagents, supplies, and equipment.
- Laboratory order entry: The process of entering laboratory orders into a LIMS or other laboratory system, typically using electronic or automated methods.
- Laboratory performance metrics: Quantitative measures used to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of laboratory processes and operations.
- Laboratory proficiency testing: The process of evaluating the accuracy and precision of laboratory methods and procedures by comparing results to established standards.
- Laboratory safety: The process of ensuring the safety of laboratory personnel and the environment.
- Laboratory security: The process of protecting laboratory data and systems from unauthorized access, modification, or destruction.
- Laboratory specimen management: The process of managing the storage, retrieval, and disposal of laboratory specimens and samples.
- Laboratory result interpretation: The process of analyzing and interpreting laboratory results, often involving comparison to established reference ranges and clinical guidelines.
- Laboratory results review and approval process: The process of reviewing and approving laboratory results before they are released to stakeholders.
- Laboratory specimen management: The process of managing the storage, retrieval, and disposal of laboratory specimens and samples.
- Laboratory workflow management system: A software system used to manage and optimize laboratory workflows, often incorporating automation and decision support tools.
- Laboratory worklist: A list of laboratory samples or tests to be performed, typically organized by priority and status.
- Laboratory work order: A document or request used to initiate laboratory work, such as sample analysis or instrument calibration.
- Laboratory-based surveillance: The use of laboratory data to monitor and track the incidence and prevalence of disease or other health-related conditions.
- Laboratory inventory management: The process of managing and tracking laboratory inventory, including reagents, supplies, and equipment.
- Master data management: The process of managing and maintaining the accuracy and consistency of laboratory data across different systems and applications.
- Method validation: The process of verifying the accuracy and precision of a laboratory method or procedure.
- Quality assurance (QA): The process of ensuring that laboratory data and processes meet established quality standards.
- Quality control: Measures taken to ensure the accuracy and precision of laboratory results.
- Report: A summary of laboratory results generated by a LIMS, often in a standardized format for ease of interpretation and comparison.
- Results reporting: The process of generating and distributing laboratory reports to stakeholders.
- Results review: The process of reviewing laboratory results for accuracy and completeness.
- Results review and approval: The process of reviewing and approving laboratory results before they are released to stakeholders.
- Report: A summary of laboratory results generated by a LIMS, often in a standardized format for ease of interpretation and comparison.
- Results review and approval: The process of reviewing and approving laboratory results before they are released to stakeholders.
- Root cause analysis (RCA): The process of identifying the underlying cause of laboratory errors or problems, and implementing corrective actions to prevent their recurrence.
- Sample: A physical specimen or material that is collected and analyzed in a laboratory.
- Sample registration: The process of registering a new sample in the LIMS.
- Sample tracking: The process of tracking the movement of a sample from one location to another within the laboratory.
- Sample tracking software: Software used to track the location, status, and handling of laboratory samples and specimens.
- Specimen accessioning: The process of logging a sample into the LIMS.
- Standard operating procedure (SOP): A documented procedure that outlines the steps required to perform a laboratory process or task.
- Test menu: A list of laboratory tests and analyses that are available in the LIMS.
- User acceptance testing (UAT): The process of testing a LIMS system to ensure that it meets the requirements and expectations of its users.
- User interface: The graphical interface that allows users to interact with the LIMS system.
- User roles: Different levels of access and permissions granted to users of a LIMS based on their job functions and responsibilities
Useful related links:
- Laboratory Informatics Institute: https://www.limsforum.com/
- The Analytical Scientist: https://theanalyticalscientist.com/
- American Society for Quality – Laboratory Quality: https://asq.org/quality-resources/laboratory-quality
- Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening: https://www.slas.org/
- Clinical Laboratory Management Association: https://www.clma.org/
- Laboratory Equipment Magazine: https://www.labmanager.com/
- Scientific Computing World: https://www.scientific-computing.com/
- European Laboratory Robotics Interest Group: https://elrig.org/
- Laboratory News: https://www.labnews.co.uk/
- American Chemical Society – Division of Analytical Chemistry: https://www.analyticaldivision.org/
- American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) – https://www.ascls.org/
- Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) – https://clsi.org/