Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are a critical tool for managing laboratory data and processes in a variety of industries, from healthcare to pharmaceuticals to environmental testing. As the use of LIMS has grown, so has the need for a standardized vocabulary to describe the many concepts and terms involved. In this blog post, we provide a glossary of 75 key LIMS terms, from “Analyte” to “User roles,” to help professionals in the field navigate this complex and rapidly-evolving area. Whether you are a LIMS user, administrator, or vendor, this glossary will provide a valuable resource for understanding and communicating about LIMS-related topics.

  1. Analyte: A chemical substance or component that is being measured or analyzed in a sample.
  2. Audit management: The process of managing and conducting internal and external audits of laboratory data and processes.
  3. Audit trail: A record of all actions taken in a LIMS, including changes to data or settings, to ensure traceability and accountability.
  4. Barcode: A machine-readable code used for identifying samples and other laboratory items.
  5. Batch processing: The process of analyzing multiple samples simultaneously, often using automation to increase throughput and efficiency.
  6. Calibration: The process of adjusting an instrument to ensure its accuracy and reliability.
  7. Chain of custody: The record of custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of samples and their related data.
  8. Chain of custody tracking: The process of tracking the movement and handling of samples and data to ensure data integrity and security.
  9. Compliance management: The process of ensuring that laboratory processes and data comply with relevant regulations and standards.
  10. Dashboard: A graphical representation of laboratory data and metrics used to monitor laboratory performance.
  11. Data archiving: The process of storing laboratory data for long-term preservation and access.
  12. Data backup and recovery: The process of backing up laboratory data to prevent loss and recovering lost data if necessary.
  13. Data integration: The process of combining data from multiple sources into a single database or system.
  14. Data management: The process of collecting, storing, and organizing laboratory data.
  15. Data mining: The process of extracting valuable information and insights from laboratory data.
  16. Data validation: The process of verifying the accuracy and completeness of laboratory data.
  17. Data visualization: The process of displaying laboratory data in a visual format, such as graphs or charts, to facilitate interpretation and analysis.
  18. Electronic data capture (EDC): The process of collecting and managing clinical trial data electronically.
  19. Electronic data interchange (EDI): The electronic exchange of laboratory data between different systems or organizations.
  20. Electronic health record (EHR): A digital record of a patient’s medical history and health information.
  21. Electronic laboratory reporting (ELR): The process of electronically reporting laboratory data to public health agencies.
  22. Electronic lab notebook (ELN): A digital tool used to record and store laboratory data and observations.
  23. Electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) templates: Preconfigured forms used to record and store laboratory data and observations.
  24. Electronic signature: A digital signature used to authenticate laboratory records and data.
  25. Electronic signature and record act (ESRA): A U.S. federal law that defines the legality of electronic signatures and records.
  26. Instrument: A device used for analysis, such as a spectrometer or chromatograph.
  27. Instrument calibration history: A record of the calibration activities performed on an instrument, which is used to demonstrate instrument performance and accuracy.
  28. Instrument interfacing: The process of connecting laboratory instruments to the LIMS for data transfer and analysis.
  29. Instrument maintenance: The process of maintaining and repairing laboratory instruments to ensure their reliability and accuracy.
  30. Laboratory accreditation: The process of assessing and accrediting laboratories based on their compliance with established standards.
  31. Laboratory automation: The use of technology to automate laboratory processes, such as sample preparation and analysis.
  32. Laboratory data management system (LDMS): A software system used for managing and analyzing laboratory data, which includes LIMS, ELNs, and other laboratory systems.
  33. Laboratory-derived test result (LDTR): A laboratory test result that is electronically transmitted to an electronic health record or other health information system.
  34. Laboratory-developed test (LDT): A laboratory test that is developed and validated by a laboratory for its own use, rather than being commercially available.
  35. Laboratory informatics: The field that focuses on the development and use of software and technology to manage laboratory data and information.
  36. Laboratory information exchange (LIE): The exchange of laboratory data between different systems or organizations.
  37. Laboratory information management software: A software system used to manage laboratory data, often incorporating features such as instrument interfacing, data analysis, and reporting.
  38. Laboratory information portal: A web-based platform used to access laboratory data, reports, and other information.
  39. Laboratory information system (LIS): A system used to manage and store laboratory data and information.
  40. Laboratory inventory management: The process of managing and tracking laboratory inventory, including reagents, supplies, and equipment.
  41. Laboratory order entry: The process of entering laboratory orders into a LIMS or other laboratory system, typically using electronic or automated methods.
  42. Laboratory performance metrics: Quantitative measures used to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of laboratory processes and operations.
  43. Laboratory proficiency testing: The process of evaluating the accuracy and precision of laboratory methods and procedures by comparing results to established standards.
  44. Laboratory safety: The process of ensuring the safety of laboratory personnel and the environment.
  45. Laboratory security: The process of protecting laboratory data and systems from unauthorized access, modification, or destruction.
  46. Laboratory specimen management: The process of managing the storage, retrieval, and disposal of laboratory specimens and samples.
  47. Laboratory result interpretation: The process of analyzing and interpreting laboratory results, often involving comparison to established reference ranges and clinical guidelines.
  48. Laboratory results review and approval process: The process of reviewing and approving laboratory results before they are released to stakeholders.
  49. Laboratory materials management: The process of managing the storage, retrieval, and disposal of laboratory materials, such as acids, bases, salts, solvents, and various organic and inorganic compounds used in chemical reactions and analyses.
  50. Laboratory workflow management system: A software system used to manage and optimize laboratory workflows, often incorporating automation and decision support tools.
  51. Laboratory worklist: A list of laboratory samples or tests to be performed, typically organized by priority and status.
  52. Laboratory work order: A document or request used to initiate laboratory work, such as sample analysis or instrument calibration.
  53. Laboratory-based surveillance: The use of laboratory data to monitor and track the incidence and prevalence of disease or other health-related conditions.
  54. Laboratory sample management: The process of managing and tracking laboratory samples, including clinical, biological, chemical, environmental, and food samples.
  55. Master data management: The process of managing and maintaining the accuracy and consistency of laboratory data across different systems and applications.
  56. Method validation: The process of verifying the accuracy and precision of a laboratory method or procedure.
  57. Quality assurance (QA): The process of ensuring that laboratory data and processes meet established quality standards.
  58. Quality control: Measures taken to ensure the accuracy and precision of laboratory results.
  59. Report: A summary of laboratory results generated by a LIMS, often in a standardized format for ease of interpretation and comparison.
  60. Results reporting: The process of generating and distributing laboratory reports to stakeholders.
  61. Results review: The process of reviewing laboratory results for accuracy and completeness.
  62. Results review and approval: The process of reviewing and approving laboratory results before they are released to stakeholders.
  63. Report: A summary of laboratory results generated by a LIMS, often in a standardized format for ease of interpretation and comparison.
  64. Results review and approval: The process of reviewing and approving laboratory results before they are released to stakeholders.
  65. Root cause analysis (RCA): The process of identifying the underlying cause of laboratory errors or problems, and implementing corrective actions to prevent their recurrence.
  66. Sample: A physical specimen or material that is collected and analyzed in a laboratory.
  67. Sample registration: The process of registering a new sample in the LIMS.
  68. Sample tracking: The process of tracking the movement of a sample from one location to another within the laboratory.
  69. Sample tracking software: Software used to track the location, status, and handling of laboratory samples and specimens.
  70. Specimen accessioning: The process of logging a sample into the LIMS.
  71. Standard operating procedure (SOP): A documented procedure that outlines the steps required to perform a laboratory process or task.
  72. Test menu: A list of laboratory tests and analyses that are available in the LIMS.
  73. User acceptance testing (UAT): The process of testing a LIMS system to ensure that it meets the requirements and expectations of its users.
  74. User interface: The graphical interface that allows users to interact with the LIMS system.
  75. User roles: Different levels of access and permissions granted to users of a LIMS based on their job functions and responsibilities

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