Laboratory Information Managements Systems (LIMS) are either custom-built or off-the-shelf solutions to the problems of controlling the flow of data through laboratories. In this book commercial relevance is ensured by authors from major industrial organizations who demonstrate by example successful application of the technology. This book provides an excellent up-to-date overview of this intensely competitive field.

1 LIMS: An automating or informating technology?.- 1.1 Introduction.- 1.2 Current LIMS fail to meet business requirements.- 1.3 Current LIMS automate data management functions.- 1.4 New LIMS will informate, not automate.- 1.5 Architecture of an informating system.- 1.6 Making IT happen.- References.- 2 A model for a comprehensive LIMS.- 2.1 Introduction.- 2.2 Strategic design of a LIMS.- 2.3 What is a LIMS?.- 2.4 An architecture for a comprehensive LIMS.- 2.5 A LIMS model.- 2.6 Definition of a LIMS.- 2.7 Detailed classification of LIMS functions.- 2.8 Applying the LIMS model: the selection of a commercial LIMS.- 2.9 LIMS standards.- 2.10 Summary.- References.- 3 LIMS in a forensic laboratory.- 3.1 Introduction.- 3.2 Objectives of a LIMS.- 3.3 The system.- 3.4 The future.- 3.5 Conclusions.- Acknowledgement.- 4 Application of a LIMS in a pharmaceutical drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics laboratory.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Study objectives in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics.- 4.3 Configuration of the database.- 4.4 LabManager in use.- 4.5 The future.- References.- 5 Use of protocol-synchronous LIMS structures to expand the role of the centralized clinical trial laboratory in pharmaceutical research.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 The expanding role of the central laboratory in pharmaceutical research.- 5.3 Comparing traditional and protocol-synchronous LIMS structures in the clinical trial laboratory.- 5.4 Defining protocol-driven time and events using a multidimensional matrix.- 5.5 Managing protocol-driven time and events using matrix-dependent control structures.- 5.6 Managing protocol-driven time and events using matrix-dependent output structures.- 5.7 Summary.- 6 Medical Laboratory Information Systems (LIS).- 6.1 History of clinical laboratory computerization.- 6.2 Computerization and automation of the 'testing process'.- 6.3 How computers function in the clinical laboratory.- 6.4 Acquisition of a LIS.- 6.5 Future of laboratory information systems.- References.- 7 EPA's Relational Laboratory Information Management System: Development and implementation.- 7.1 Introduction.- 7.2 Development.- 7.3 Implementation.- 7.4 Conclusions.- References.- 8 LIMS to robotics interface: A practical approach.- 8.1 Introduction.- 8.2 The case for automation.- 8.3 Role of a Laboratory Information Management System.- 8.4 Sample planning and scheduling.- 8.5 Auditability.- 8.6 Information transferred via the interfaces.- 8.7 Laboratory Information Management System network.- 8.8 Analytical process automation.- 8.9 Impact on the laboratory working environment.- References.- 9 Interfacing the real world to LIMS.- 9.1 Introduction.- 9.2 The analysis procedure.- 9.3 Beckman.- 9.4 Hewlett Packard.- 9.5 LabSystems (Fisons Instruments).- 9.6 The future.- Acknowledgements.- 10 Replacement LIMS: Moving forward or maintaining the status quo.- 10.1 Introduction.- 10.2 Why change?.- 10.3 Why not change?.- 10.4 How long should a LIMS last?.- 10.5 How do you justify a replacement LIMS?.- 10.6 Would a custom system be better?.- 10.7 Support your vendor.- 10.8 How to implement a replacement LIMS.- 11 The promise of client-server LIMS applications.- 11.1 Introduction.- 11.2 Review of LIMS development over the last ten years - the story so far.- 11.3 Current trends.- 11.4 Regulatory requirements.- 11.5 Standards for systems analysis and construction of information systems.- 11.6 Understanding the user.- 11.7 Meeting the requirements with appropriate technology: The challenge facing client-server technology.- 11.8 Discussion of relationships and issues.- 11.9Systems analysis, construction of information systems and process re-engineering.- 11.10 Software development.- 11.11 Communications.- 11.12 Implementing client-server technology.- 11.13 Conclusions.- 11.14 The way forward?.- References.- 12 Standards for analytical laboratory data communications, storage, and archival.- 12.1 Introduction.- 12.2 Standards investment and payback.- 12.3 The ADISS Program.- 12.4 Application of the ADISS Information Model to chromatography.- 12.5 Future ADISS extensions for chromatography and other techniques.- 12.6 Future influence of ADISS standards on LIMS in R&D.- 12.7 The influence of standards on market dynamics.- 12.8 Summary and recommendations.- Note.- References.