Laboratory information management system

A laboratory information management system (LIMS), sometimes referred to as a laboratory information system (LIS) or laboratory management system (LMS), is a <a href="/facts/Software/RP79lVSW">software</a>-based solution with features that support a modern <a href="/facts/Laboratory/kqR3Vtx9">laboratory</a>'s operations. Key features include—but are not limited to—<a href="/facts/Workflow/Ig8zvxF2">workflow</a> and data tracking support, flexible architecture, and data exchange interfaces, which fully "support its use in regulated environments". The features and uses of a LIMS have evolved over the years from simple <a href="/facts/Sample_(material)/lh2pPYky">sample</a> tracking to an <a href="/facts/Enterprise_resource_planning/IHhjWH4z">enterprise resource planning</a> tool that manages multiple aspects of <a href="/facts/Laboratory_informatics/Iq1DTLL2">laboratory informatics</a>.
There is no useful definition of the term "LIMS" as it is used to encompass a number of different laboratory informatics components. The spread and depth of these components is highly dependent on the LIMS implementation itself. All LIMSs have a workflow component and some summary data management facilities but beyond that there are significant differences in functionality.
Historically the LIMyS, LIS, and <a href="/facts/Process_development_execution_system/pBKLeTth">process development execution system</a> (PDES) have all performed similar functions. The term "LIMS" has tended to refer to <a href="/facts/Informatics/YylNMP9r">informatics</a> systems targeted for environmental, research, or commercial analysis such as pharmaceutical or petrochemical work. "LIS" has tended to refer to <a href="/facts/Laboratory_informatics/Iq1DTLL2">laboratory informatics</a> systems in the forensics and clinical markets, which often required special case management tools. "PDES" has generally applied to a wider scope, including, for example, virtual manufacturing techniques, while not necessarily integrating with <a href="/facts/Laboratory_equipment/kqR3Vtx9">laboratory equipment</a>.
In recent times LIMS functionality has spread even further beyond its original purpose of sample management. <a href="/facts/Assay/fPUYjx1I">Assay</a> data management, <a href="/facts/Data_mining/AH53q5ac">data mining</a>, data analysis, and <a href="/facts/Electronic_laboratory_notebook/RFNHNT1a">electronic laboratory notebook</a> (ELN) integration have been added to many LIMS, enabling the realization of <a href="/facts/Translational_medicine/c2vWDkqy">translational medicine</a> completely within a single software solution. Additionally, the distinction between LIMS and LIS has blurred, as many LIMS now also fully support comprehensive case-centric clinical data.

Laboratory information management system open-in-new

Laboratory information management system