That functionality can roughly be divided into five Laboratory processing phases, with numerous Laboratory software functions falling under each:-
Laboratory System is a web-based Software, which is lab information system that offers a set of key features that support a modern Laboratory operations. Those key features include — but are not limited to — workflow and data tracking support, flexible architecture, and smart data exchange interfaces, which fully "support its use in regulated environments." The features and uses of an Laboratory have evolved over the years from simple sample tracking to an enterprise resource planning tool that manages multiple aspects of Laboratory informatics.
Laboratory is an evolving concept, with new features and functionality being added often. As Laboratory demands change and technological progress continues, the functions of an Laboratory will likely also change. Despite these changes, an Laboratory tends to have a base set of functionality that defines it.
That functionality can roughly be divided into five Laboratory processing phases, with numerous Laboratory software functions falling under each:-
There are several pieces of core functionality associated with these Laboratory processing phases that tend to appear in Laboratory:-
A lab worker matches blood samples to documents. With an Laboratory, this sort of sample management is made more efficient.
The core function of Laboratory has traditionally been the management of samples. This typically is initiated when a sample is received in the Laboratory, at which point the sample will be registered in the Laboratory. The processing could then include a step where the sample container is registered and sent to the customer for the sample to be taken and then returned to the lab. The registration process may involve the sample and producing to affix to the sample container. Various other parameters such as clinical or information corresponding with the sample are also often recorded. The Laboratory system then tracks chain of custody as well as sample location. Location tracking usually involves assigning the sample to a particular freezer location, often down to the granular level of shelf, rack, box, row, and column.
Laboratory offer an increasing amount of integration with lab instruments and applications. An Laboratory may create control files that are "fed" into the instrument and direct its operation on some physical item such as a sample tube or sample plate. The Laboratory may then import instrument results files to extract data for quality control assessment of the operation on the sample. Access to the instrument data can sometimes be regulated based on chain of custody assignments or other security features if need be.
Aside from the key functions of sample management, instrument and application integration, and electronic data exchange, there are numerous additional operations that can be managed in a Laboratory. This includes but is not limited to.
Audit Management
Fully track and maintain an audit trail.
Chain of Custody
Assign roles and groups that dictate access to specific data records and who is managing them.
Customer Relationship Management
Handle the demographic information and communications for associated clients.
Instrument Calibration and Maintenance
Schedule important maintenance and calibration of lab instruments and keep detailed records of such activities.
Manual and Electronic Data Entry
Provide fast and reliable interfaces for data to be entered by a human or electronic component.
Personnel and Workload Management
Organize work schedules, workload assignments, employee demographic information, training, and financial information.
Reports
Create and schedule reports in a specific format; schedule and distribute reports to designated parties.
Traceability
Show audit trail and/or chain of custody of a sample.
Barcode Handling
Assign one or more data points to a barcode format; read and extract information from a barcode.
Compliance
Follow regulatory standards that affect the Laboratory.
Document Management
Process and convert data to certain formats; manage how documents are distributed and accessed.
Inventory and Equipment Management
Measure and record inventories of vital supplies and LABORATORY equipment.
Method Management
Provide one location for all LABORATORY process and procedure (P&P) and methodology to be housed and managed as well as connecting each sample handling step with current instructions for performing the operation.
Quality Assurance and Control
Gauge and control sample quality, data entry standards, and workflow.
Time Tracking
Calculate and maintain processing and handling times on chemical reactions, workflows, and more.
Workflows
Track a sample, a batch of samples, or batches through its lifecycle.