LIMS software is used in many industries and sectors due to its efficiency. These include public health, bioinformatics (biotechnology), chemical manufacturing, geoinformatics, etc. According to a MarketsandMarkets report, LIMS software is used in many different industries. The global market for LIMS is expected to reach $2.1 billion dollars by 2026. This represents a 13.2% CAGR.
While LIMS software is useful in many industries, it has the greatest value and importance for the healthcare industry.
Medical laboratories are in high demand, and businesses rely on accurate results to stay afloat. Your lab may have the highest quality equipment, but it is the reliability of the lab results that will earn your customers' confidence. This is one of the main reasons why many healthcare businesses have adopted LIMS technology.
In this article, we will explain the Whys and Hows of healthcare LIMS development. Let's first look at some market information in a wide range.
What is a LIMS system?
Laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are used by laboratories to log, track, record, and report scientific data and samples. While testing capabilities for quality assurance and control processes have evolved along with technology, LIMS' primary function has not changed: the lab must audit a test sample throughout its entire life cycle, from creation to release, use, and disposal.
LIMS offers a high level of tracking to help labs adhere to industry best practices. The system records data automatically, saving labs time on manual data entry. They can then spend more time optimizing their processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
When understanding LIMS, it is important to keep these things in mind:
- Consistent management of samples is difficult and time-consuming: Lab staff had to manually document and name the samples. It was not only time-consuming but also left room for human errors. LIMS eliminates these errors through digital tracking via barcodes and by using consistent naming conventions.
- Digital Integration can improve lab workflows and documentation: Many LIMS Solutions can connect or integrate with laboratory hardware in order to import or export data. LIMS solutions are able to identify, and flag errors in testing or experiment runs.
- Automated reporting and visibility of sample data: A LIMS provides full transparency to sample lifecycles from creation to disposal. This data is needed for audits and reports, as well as to ensure quality control.
- Maintain data consistency throughout the laboratory: The lab's manual documentation may become burdensome and error-prone without LIMBS. This is especially true if the lab expands and the number of samples tested increases. This can be seen in environments that have extensive controls or significant replication of analysis.
What Are The Uses Of Lims In Laboratories?
The following are some of the goals laboratories strive to achieve and how LIMS can assist them in achieving their goals.
Sample Management
Laboratories need to track, document, and manage their inventory of samples and controls. A LIMS helps scientists to have what they require when they need them. It also reduces the time and human error associated with manual data entry.
Lot Release and Management
A LIMS can be used to monitor batch usage and the performance of batches. The system can also track the distribution of lots between lab members. The system makes available data for previous batches that are similar so that the analysis can be done in the context of the whole product and not just one batch.
Stability Study Management
Scientists can create their own sample inventory management, study the effects of storing samples at different temperatures and humidity, ensure that tests are performed correctly and track whether or not they were done properly, and use data trends to prevent future degradation. These long-term tests require a complex matrix of years-old testing.
Environmental Monitoring
A LIMS can be used by labs to test the quality of a batch of manufactured goods or water in a distribution network. The system provides reliable traceability of each sample which could be affected by unwanted bacteria or an inappropriate quality.
Internal Reporting
LIMS's automated documentation provides searchable audit trails that accurately document the storage of samples and their consumption.
Client Reporting
LIMS offers a high degree of transparency through its comprehensive documentation. This is useful for audits by third parties and reporting requirements from customers.
Reduce Resource Consumption
Labs can spend less time documenting samples and more time doing actual work and analysis. The digital records of all samples can save time and money in trying to find or possibly regenerate needed samples.
What To Do If Your Lab Is Not Ready For Lims
If you already have a LIMS but are interested in cloud-based LIMS, or if you are a growing laboratory and are considering whether a SaaS LIMS would be right for your lab, then here are some of the benefits that you could gain from using a SaaS LIMS.
Lack of an Internal IT Team
It can be difficult to provide the daily support your teams need if you do not have an IT team dedicated to understanding the inner workings and functionality of your LIMS. SaaS LIMS solutions provide upgrades and enhancements via the cloud, so you can always access the most reliable and secure version of the software that contains the latest features.
Interest in Minimizing Internal Impact
If your lab is occupied with managing and troubleshooting the LIMS, it can be an inefficient use. It's possible to minimize your LIMS' impact on internal operations by entrusting it to a technology vendor. This will allow you more time for revenue-generating opportunities and boost future innovation.
A Distributed Footprint is Needed
It can be difficult and time-consuming to store your data in one place, especially for long-term projects or regulated testing that requires a high degree of security. SaaS LIMS solutions allow you to store data securely on a cloud-based server and access it from anywhere. Self-hosted software often restricts users from accessing business applications or data only from within the corporate environment. SaaS LIMS gives them more options.
Compliance with Regulatory Requirements is a Strict Requirement
SaaS LIMS come with workflows that are already compliant with industry regulations. Standardized practices, controls, and processes can be used to implement your LIMS, making it easier for you to quickly become compliant.
Healthcare LiMS Market Insights
In the US, the healthcare business model receives orders for 14 billion lab tests every year. 70% of medical decisions are based on the results. It is, therefore, vital that medical lab tests are accurate, cost-effective, and reliable.
In order to meet this demand, hospitals and other health institutions are increasingly turning to building custom software LIMS solutions.
A report by Data Bridge Market Research estimates that the global hospital LIMS will reach $4.90 Billion by 2029. This represents a CAGR exceeding 20,55% for the entire forecast period of 2022-2029.
You now understand how important it is to your business goals that you invest in the development process of LIMS software. With the growing market and the constant rise in consumer demand for laboratory tests, this will be a great investment for your healthcare company. You might be wondering how this software can make lab processes more efficient and easier. Let's look at three of the major benefits that come with adopting a LIMS in our next section.
3 Benefits of Adopting a Healthcare Laboratory Information Management System
LIMS is more than just a way to automate processes in the laboratory. Let's discuss three major advantages of LIMS to your business requirements/project requirements.
Improved Accuracy & Efficiency
LIMS eliminates paper from a laboratory, increasing throughput and ensuring data accuracy. Eliminating manual processes also reduces turnaround time. A LIMS allows regulatory auditors to quickly obtain data and eliminates any risk of data loss or fraud reporting. A LIMS prevents the use of outdated or miscalibrated analytical equipment, which ensures the accuracy of results.
Larger Integration Support
For the control of certain activities and to facilitate data transmission, various laboratory instruments and applications may be connected to effective LIMS software. The integration can be controlled to ensure the security and safety of data. They can be integrated into accounting software or enterprise resource planning programs to improve data management and resource planning.
You might also be interested in the many ways that an ERP solution can help your healthcare business processes.
Streamlined Workflow
LIMS can speed up your lab's workflows by monitoring completion. The LIMS program tracks all the tasks the operator enters into the system. Lab information is used to link systems into your laboratory, which helps speed up internal operations and reduce operational costs.
You should now be able to explain why a LIMS system will benefit your healthcare business. How does it work? Next, let's find out.
What is the Function of a Lab Information Management System?
You must understand how a LIMS works for the user if you are going to build one. No matter what industry you are in, every custom LIMS has some steps that must be followed. Below are the steps to be followed.
Register
Anyone using the LIMS must first register. It could be for a blood test, a mineral check, or if you are doing a drug screen. The first step in labeling a report is to register the subject.
Prepare
All internal processes and entries begin automatically after registration. Raw data is converted to input data, and multiple application functions begin operating.
Allocate
The software now has all the information it requires. This data is then allocated to various instruments and tools for analysis. These tools will all work independently and simultaneously, increasing the efficiency of reports.
Validate
The system can be configured to take into account any dependencies between data provided by different tools at the end. The data from the various tools are validated with the sample data.
Approve and Retest
After final approval, the data is labeled and given to the subject in the form of a report. If any discrepancy was detected during the internal validation process, then data would be retested. The data is analyzed again. The loop will keep going until it reaches the limit of validating or runs out of trials. In error logs, validation errors are recorded.
Report
LIMS software will generate templates once the data has been prepared, the reports labeled, and the sample data attached. The report can be printed out or shared with the complete data from previous processes via communication channels.
Archive
The work does not stop once the patient has received the report. It is important to keep track of the analyses that have been performed in your software. The information is then archived at the data center to be used for records. This data can be saved on the cloud in the institute's record center.
Features and Capabilities of LIMS
You need to think about the features and capabilities that your company needs in a LIMS before you can develop one. Here are some of the most important ones:
Sample Testing
LIMS's sample monitoring function is fundamental. This function should automate the process of tracking samples through the lab and from department to department.
By providing unique identifiers, the software creates a digital record that eliminates human error. This feature should be included in the custom LIMS software developed by your agency.
Workflow Evaluation
LIMS streamlines the workflow. This is also how you can save time. Automated record-keeping eliminates the need to separate records. After you've established the design of the system and its principles, the system will make decisions and assign tasks to the appropriate tools and instruments. It can oversee the entire process without having to be told what needs to be done.
Read More: Cost of Building Custom Software Based on the Size of Software and Different Types
Central Storage of Protected Data
All LIMS should adhere to best industry practices for data storage. It must not combine test results with personally identifiable data (PII), and it must adhere to security criteria in order to prevent leaks. You also want it to work quickly and reliably so that your lab productivity isn't affected.
Inventory and Instrument Control
To avoid any delays, keep plenty of chemicals and test materials on hand in your laboratory. The software can automatically send alerts when replenishment is needed. Your LIMBS will also keep track of the equipment's condition and notify you when it needs to be maintained.
A module of Analytics and Reporting
This function allows you to reduce manual labor and improve lab productivity. Export data to allow internal divisions and clients outside of the lab who ordered testing access. Use cutting-edge analytics for your data to find out about demographics, health concerns, and the cost of operating your facility.
Compliance Management
It would take a lot of time to track every requirement in the healthcare industry, as it is highly regulated. To avoid legal issues, adopt lab management software that has built-in tools for compliance. Update them frequently. In one of the sections that follow, we will provide more information on compliance.
How do you Build a Lab Information Management System?
A robust Lab Information Management System is essential to ensure a smooth laboratory workflow. Let's dive into the details to build a LIMS that will be a success.
Define your IT system
The LIMS features and capabilities must be matched to the needs of your organization. Custom solutions may cost more, but they are better suited to your laboratory's objectives. When developing an IT infrastructure, you should consider the following:
Budget- Create a funding strategy for technical support, LIMS implementation, and application development.
Functions- Identify the basic competencies required to perform laboratory operations.
Number of Users- Indicate how many employees will have access.
Example Observation- Select the best digital solution for your industry based on its specifics.
It's important to think about how LIMS is going to be used when choosing new features. This might be needed for laboratory procedures that are not common, such as integrated tools to regulate contractual relationships.
You should equip your IT system with Java, Python, and Ruby. Kubernetes is also a good choice. Docker, Mulesoft, and MongoDB will help you develop your healthcare LIMS.
Find a Development Partner
Outsourcing your custom LIMS software to an IT team or custom software development company/software development team is the best way to go. You can give them all your requirements, and they will implement them to make the software fit your needs. A LIMS vendor may offer a free demo, a price for implementation and revision, tool integration, and regular updates as part of their LIMS software services.
List the technical requirements for your project to make it easier for IT teams to develop software that meets the criteria for testing the final product. Included in the document should be the work strategy, the LIMEs intended uses, as well as the project conditions and average costs.
Set the Design Layout
You can visualize the layout of your LIMBS with a little imagination and brainstorming. You will want to review the design and discuss the GUI. Additions can be made to the software at this stage. The design includes customizing screens, navigating space, and simulating customer journeys.
Your IT dedicated Team can handle the rest with your help. They have a team of experts who are experienced in software development service, graphic design, project management, and other areas. You are looking to work with the LIMS team to develop a simple user interface.
Keep your software architecture secure by ensuring that it has no security loopholes. You can limit the IP address access to it in order to protect your software from public networks.
Test your Software
Even after careful planning, problems and new requirements may still occur. You should test each basic feature before launching your software.
You can expect the software company that you choose to hire a team of Quality Assurance Engineers who will identify any problems with the system prior to its deployment. The Quality Assurance engineers will check if the software is compliant with industry standards and legal regulations.
Any issues must be resolved before the LIMS is deployed to reduce errors.
Launch: Prepare for Launch
After the functional test of the LIMS, it is important to train the staff and install the hardware and network. Both the customer and the staff must agree on the dates for the implementation. You should first create a detailed plan that addresses the following:
- Inactivity in the laboratory
- Transfer of activities to the foundation
- Engagement with the system as it starts up
- Support after deployment
What is the Cost of Building LIMS Software?
Costs for different LIMS solutions vary. The cost to build custom software of a LIMS depends on the type, number, and infrastructure of the system, as well as the goals and needs of the user.
We can categorize LIMS software according to its purpose into three different categories:
Data Organization
It is easy to use and organizes the samples in the laboratory. This allows for simple sample tracking permissions. These are also the cheapest and easiest to construct. This LIMS can be implemented for between $15,000 and $45,000, with a build time of 3 to 6 weeks.
Process Automation
This LIMS implementation includes all the functions of the data organization type plus extra configurations to automate manual processes within the workflow. additional software development Cost vary depending on how many processes you automate. An estimated range is between $30,000 and $70,000.
Digital Transformation
It is difficult to implement digital transformation because it involves multiple departments and the laboratory. The system can handle all data, from the front-end commercial to the back-end laboratory. Some systems even have the ability to invoice if they are designed that way. This type of LIMS takes more time to build because the technology is more complicated. A rough estimate can be 4-9 months at $60,000-$200,000.
What Can Cisin Do To Help You Build Robust Lims?
If you look back at the years history of cisin, you'll find that we have delivered many digital healthcare solutions which have changed our client's businesses forever. No matter how complicated the problem is, cisin's process is clear and simple. We try to grasp the core of the problem and then understand your market. We use these insights to conceptualize, design and develop a customized solution for you.
This is a sample of a digital product we developed for a healthcare business.
The Health-e-People application was created by the cisin team to fill the gap in the tracking of health-related records. The app collects data from the devices an individual uses to track their health. It connects the user to medical professionals for consultation and advice and then forwards the data to researchers with the users' consent.
Contact us if you are interested in a LIMS for your business.
