Depending on how long you have been working in the Lab Informatics industry, you may have noticed that the list of acronyms is endless; or at least it feels that way! Through this multi-part blog series, we will attempt to explain the most common acronyms.
LIMS stands for Laboratory Information Management System. LIMS handles sample, lot, and test management and are used across numerous laboratory sectors’ QC and analytical space. They were created to eliminate human error and to expedite processes through automation.
Here are some advantages to using a LIMS:
The list of what it can do is really expansive depending on the time and budget for customization and/or configuration.
ELN stands for Electronic Laboratory Notebook, and as the name suggests, it is designed to eliminate the need for generic e-document systems and paper lab notebooks. The uses for ELNs are quite varied.
An ELN can also be used:
When configuring an ELN, the administrator can restrict data types and experiments or can leave the application relatively unlocked for testing.
Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN) can be used in both R&D and Quality environments. An ELN for the QA/QC analytical laboratory, sometimes referred to as an LES (Laboratory Execution Systems), is used in disciplines where the work is repeatable and qualified under the current conditions. The language used within the Quality ELN is such that the analyst understands it. To create the methods or tests within the Quality ELN, SOP (standard operating procedures) and pre-existing laboratory notebooks are used. These generally have the capability to require manager sign offs at preconfigured times and can require a review and/or approval before reporting on or releasing results.
What laboratory acronyms have you been curious about? Leave a comment below for it to be featured in our next edition of Alphabet Soup!
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