Laboratory information- management the CALS approach

Because laboratories typically process large numbers of samples every day, information management is a critical task. With a growing work-load in the laboratory, the chances for errors of omission and data transcription increase, as does the amount of time devoted to paperwork. Moreover periodic review and analysis of the progress and quality of laboratory work becomes increasingly important. In fact, a laboratory can be only as good as its ability to manage its final product the information it produces. Laboratory productivity, accuracy and control are usually greatly increased with improved information processing capabilities. Use of the CALS Lab Manager System helps to organize and standardize routine operations within the laboratory. Consistent, non-redundant entry of product specifications , data acquisition, analysis methods and test specification limits encourages accuracy and repeatability. Automatic method revision control with security, time and date and user ID stamping encourages timely updating with minimum paperwork and loss of control. Rapid, inexpensive access to all information minimizes guesswork and encourages informed accuracy. Overview The CALS Lab Manager System is a laboratory information management tool, which facilitates the efficient and accurate flow of information through the laboratory environment. As an integrated information management system, Lab Manager monitors the status of all samples being processed by the laboratory, records analysis results either manually or from on-line instrumentation, generates a variety of reports including multicoloured plots and enforces adherence to local laboratory practice and procedures. The system completely tracks all samples through every step oflaboratory processing; it also maintains a complete directory of the specifications or test protocols for all products handled by the laboratory, as well as a directory of all defined tests. All data recorded for each sample is stored in the Lab Manager database on-line without time lags. The flexible inquiry facility allows both selective retrieval and customized reporting of all stored data. The archiving facility provides a simple and rapid means of saving and recalling raw data, results and methods on low cost media. To meet the specific and evolving needs of an individual laboratory, the Lab Manager program incorporates many configurable and optional features. Within limits, each standard system may be configured and customized without additional software and therefore without additional cost.