A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) has changed how biobanks and clinical research laboratories have been performing over the last few years by using traditional data management methods. You can avoid laboratory data management mistakes by implementing a LIMS solution and improve operational efficiency.

Here is how a LIMS can help you avoid some most common issues faced by using traditional data management methods:

Handwritten Labels

The information on handwritten labels is difficult to read and quite often, can be easily misread, whereas printed barcode labels are machine readable and legible. Another disadvantage of handwritten labels is that the ink can smudge, fade or run during handling of samples. Sometimes the ink can even disappear completely if exposed to cryo temperatures or chemicals such as alcohol. With a LIMS software, you can easily design 1D and 2D barcode labels that can be printed using an integrated label printer. The generated labels can be used to distinguish sample tubes, freezer boxes, research documents, or practically anything in your lab.

Maintaining experimental results or protocol details on sticky notes is likely to result in confused or missing records. Managing laboratory data using lab notebooks, papers or spreadsheets is quite tedious and does not allow easy information sharing. A LIMS has an electronic database that allows instant access to information anytime anywhere. LIMS facilitates data exchange between various laboratories and collaborators in real-time. Faster data access time means an increase in the lab productivity. You can also define each user’s access privileges to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

LIMS implementation saves approximately $300,000 per lab annually