The Garvan Institute of Medical Research is a leading medical research institute in Australia, employing over 700 scientists and support staff. Garvan researchers have established a cancer tumour testing service that is designed to detect mutations to help oncologists determine treatment strategies. To handle the increasingly large volumes of samples it is anticipating, a new laboratory information management system (LIMS) was needed. This case study highlights how QLIMS helped the laboratory overcome these challenges.

The Challenge

Some challenges may arise in sample traceability in laboratories. These could be implementation and integration, user errors, system errors, lack of training, maintenance and updates and data security.

Luke Hesson is the Laboratory Head of Cancer Diagnostics at Garvan. According to Luke, the challenge was to ensure that the lab would be able to cope with the sheer volume of samples—potentially 1000+ per year.

“We’ll need to know at any given point where every sample is in the testing process. Without a LIMS that would be incredibly challenging and prone to human error, which would have a flow-on effect on our clinical trials.”

While the Garvan Institute was already using a number of different LIMS, none of them was suitable. Fortunately, he had previous experience with OnQ Software through another lab at the Garvan Institute.

“They’ve always been incredibly responsive and helpful, so I felt they were tried and trusted. It turns out they had an off-the-shelf solution called QLIMS, that met around 75% of our requirements, with the flexibility to be effectively adapted for our needs.” he says.

The Solution

The solution provided for the automated import of data from various sources. Automatic patient report generation was a huge part of the solution. “We can now, at the click of a button, export all of the data into a report that can go to the clinician and patient. Not only are they incredibly accurate, but the reports also look great.”

Another key part of the solution required OnQ to design a tool to read a Health Level 7 (HL7) file.

Luke says, “HL7 is an international standard data encryption method that allows us to securely communicate sensitive patient information between labs. Because the first stage of the process involves receiving data from a SydPath pathology lab at St Vincent’s Hospital, the data is encrypted before we receive it. This solution streamlined our sample accessioning, making it much more efficient.”

The Results

Luke is delighted that the Garvan Institute has just received National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation with QLIMS.

“All of those key points needed to be addressed to the satisfaction of NATA so it’s reaffirmed the chain of information custody is accurate and secure. It’s absolutely critical for any clinical testing. And I believe that’s a direct result of the assistance we’ve had from OnQ in designing a LIMS that allows fidelity of chain of information custody.”

If you’re interested in learning more about how our QLIMS can benefit your laboratory or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts would be happy to assist you in finding the best solution for your laboratory needs.

Introduction to the LIMS is a crucial aspect of modern laboratory management. In this article, we will provide a summary of the introduction to the LIMS by discussing its key benefits, exploring its functionalities, highlighting its applications across different laboratories, and offering guidance on how to choose the right LIMS provider for your organisation.

What is a LIMS?

A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a software platform that enables users to manage data and workflow processes in a laboratory. Laboratories can record samples, tests, results, automate workflows, procedures and integrate instruments using a LIMS.

However, a LIMS does more than track samples and data management, it helps to manage your entire laboratory process, eliminate human error, reduce time, and save money.

Benefits of using LIMS

Here are the key benefits of using a LIMS;

• Data Management

It allows for the efficient organization and storage of laboratory data, making it easier to access, retrieve, and analyse. With a LIMS, you can enter, store and access laboratory data electronically which eliminates the need for paper records. Additionally, it provides a centralised location for all laboratory data.

You can also read our data migration solution here.

• Accuracy

A LIMS can help to reduce errors and inconsistencies in data entry and analysis, increasing the accuracy of laboratory results. Also, it can be configured to automate data analysis, reducing the risk of human error in data interpretation.

• Traceability

A LIMS can help to track the location and status of samples throughout the laboratory process, from receipt to disposal. By attaching a unique barcode or RFID tag to each sample, LIMS can track the location and status of the sample in real-time.

• Compliance and Regulatory Support

A LIMS provides ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements by providing the necessary documentation and data management capabilities. It enforces specific data entry rules, such as required fields or acceptable values, which improves data accuracy and completeness, essential for compliance purposes.

• Cost and Time Savings

With all these above benefits, a LIMS reduces labour costs, improves laboratory productivity and increases the efficiency of laboratory operations.

Functionality of LIMS

• Sample management
• Instrument calibration and maintenance
• Workflow capabilities
• Quality assurance and control
• Security
• Compliance
• Data management
• Inventory and equipment management
• Lab automation
• Cloud or on-premises deployment

LIMS in different labs

The most common misconception is that LIMS is only suitable for large labs. LIMS can be useful for labs of all sizes, from small research labs to large commercial labs. Additionally, you can use LIMS in different types of labs, such as clinical labs, research labs, environmental labs, and manufacturing labs.

Choosing the right LIMS provider

Choosing the best LIMS for your lab can be a daunting task. You can read our blog ‘How to Choose the Best LIMS Software For Your Lab’ here.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our QLIMS can benefit your laboratory or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts would be happy to assist you in finding the best solution for your laboratory needs.

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AWS (Amazon Web Services) brings significant benefits to QLIMS customers by providing a secure and scalable cloud-based infrastructure for comprehensive laboratory data management. With AWS, QLIMS users can enjoy easy access to their data from anywhere, powerful computing resources for data processing and a range of security and compliance features to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of their data.

How LIMS and AWS work together

AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a cloud computing platform provided by Amazon that offers a wide range of services for building and deploying various types of applications and services on the cloud.

AWS and LIMS can provide a powerful and flexible solution for laboratories to manage and analyse data more efficiently and effectively by working together. The AWS cloud platform enables powerful hosting and deployment, storing and managing data, and providing scalable computing resources for handling large amounts of data and processing requirements.

What AWS brings to QLIMS customers

The cloud-based nature of QLIMS means that laboratories can access their data anytime, anywhere, and from any device with an internet connection. AWS provides the underlying infrastructure and services that enable QLIMS to scale seamlessly to accommodate large data sets, as well as provide powerful computing resources for data analysis and processing.

Except for cloud-based hosting, data storage, management and computing power; AWS provides various security and compliance features that ensure that laboratory data is kept confidential with regulatory requirements such as ISO9001 and ISO27001.

QLIMS brings comprehensive laboratory management, powerful and flexible solutions to OnQ customers. Laboratories can benefit from the reliability, enhanced security, flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing, while also ensuring the high availability and security of their data and applications.

If you’re interested in learning more about how QLIMS can benefit your laboratory or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts would be happy to assist you in finding the best solution for your laboratory needs.

Vision and Mission

A Bold Vision For a Significant Mission

Interviewer: You’ve shared a lot about your philosophy and core values behind developing and evolving your QLIMS into Version 9. If you were to summarize this vision in one sentence, what would be your mission statement?

Jonathan: Our mission is to bring innovation to the scientific community that empowers every scientist to improve outcomes for humanity for a better life.

Interviewer: You have a bold mission but a significant one. How can scientists embark on this journey with you, and what would be your advice to take that first step?

Jonathan: Pick up the phone and give us a call. That way, we can start looking at what your lab is doing now, its goals and your pain points. If I can figure that out on the call with you, we have taken that first step together and started that journey towards making your lab a better place to work for you.

We may not be the right solution for everybody, or you might not need all of our services. But if we at least help you get to the point where you understand what you’re trying to achieve, then you can look at what you need to bring in to help you get there.

Interviewer: Great, I think people reading this interview now know their next immediate action if they want to make a difference in their lab.

First, looking at what they are doing daily, Then identifying what’s frustrating them and causing their pain, Third asking themselves why they are doing what they’re doing, and finally, going through the process of understanding what they want to achieve.

Jonathan: Literally, just give us a call. Call me, call Ron, and we’ll get to the bottom of it.

The journey to improving your lab informatics starts with that first phone call and talking about your pain points and headaches today. What are you spending your time on? What are they trying to achieve? What are you doing to get there? If I can figure that out on the call with you, we have taken that first step together and started that journey towards making your lab a better place to work for you.

A Final Piece of Advice

Technology is one of three critical factors for a successful lab. The second is the processes, and the third is the people. Only when all three align can you start the journey to a successful lab.

Interviewer: Brilliant, that’s very good. Then my last question. Is there anything I did not ask during our interview that you would like to share with us before the end?

Jonathan: Yes, if I can leave readers with one last piece of advice: technology is one of three critical factors for a successful lab. The second is the processes, and the third is the people. Only when all three align can you start the journey to a successful lab.

 Get in touch with us today to learn more about how QLIMS can help you achieve your goals.

QLIMS Logo

OnQ Software has a special interview with Jonathan Gannoulis that focuses on the journey to releasing the QLIMS platform. In part one, we got an inside look at the introduction, initial stages, and journey that led to the creation of QLIMS.

In part two, we will dive into how OnQ Software translated its principles into a product, resulting in a LIMS system that revolutionizes laboratory management. 

Translating Principles Into a Product

Interviewer: I think we now understand why you are doing this. Now please tell us more about your product and the solution itself. How are you translating this into the new product?

Jonathan: We offer LIMS as a Platform, not just an app. Laboratories are moving towards a suite or platform of informatics, not just LIMS.

LIMS, data management and automation is the starting point. We base our entire application on our API technology. QLIMS is a containerized application that allows us to safely put things in little containers, pull apart and add elements or swap out and bring in other elements. The flexibility turns our application into a solution you can now lay over a platform to address complex scientific challenges as our customers’ needs evolve.

Interviewer: Just to clarify for our audience, an API is typically an application programming interface. Is your API what this is, and could you please explain what your API is?

Jonathan: It stands for an application programming interface. It is fundamentally a safe and secure toolkit that lets QLIMS talk to other applications. Our difference is that we built the whole application on this API, so there’s no real restriction to what you can do with QLIMS. Users can access it themselves and build web extensions, for example, mobile tools and integration. People are genuinely empowered to take the LIMS where they want it to be.

Importance of Independent Configuration

Interviewer: When scientists approach you with complex problems, they know they can solve them with your API-based architecture. They know they have a flexible toolbox to solve these problems. Whereas with other more rigid applications, it would be more challenging, right?

Jonathan: Yes. Even small changes are classified as customisation, so you need to change the code of the core application, which in turn creates more overheads. Not only does our solution have the API described, but we’ve also brought into our solution powerful configuration tools. This ability alone reduces the level of customization effort required close to zero depending on your specific needs. People working in the lab configure the system to suit what they want to do and then manage the system independently on an ongoing basis. Without hiring extra staff for LIMS admin. Without needing a coding degree.

We have the platform to empower every scientist. Less admin work and focus on the science, the important work.

Interviewer: I think I’m starting to see a better picture of the situation you are describing. It seems that the customization piece itself has also been part of why the industry has not evolved into offering more self-enabling systems. Suppose billable consultant hours are part of the business model. In that case, vendors have very little incentive to design a system that allows customers to customize independently.

Jonathan: Pretty much, we are a technology company, not a professional services company. This focus makes a difference to the end solution. We have the platform to empower every scientist. Less admin work and focus on the science, the important work.

 Get in touch with us today to learn more about how QLIMS can help you achieve your goals.

When it comes to managing a laboratory, choosing the right Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) can make all the difference. LIMS software can streamline operations, increase efficiency, and provide valuable insights into your data. However, with so many options available, choosing the best LIMS software for your lab can be a daunting task. How to choose the best LIMS for your lab?

It’s important to consider factors such as functionality, compatibility, and scalability when making your selection. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best LIMS software for your laboratory, highlighting the key features to look for and the questions to ask. Whether you’re a small lab or a large facility, this comprehensive guide will help you find the LIMS software that meets your needs and helps you achieve your goals.

Do you understand your lab’s current processes?

Before choosing LIMS software, it’s important to understand your laboratory’s current processes and workflow. This will help you identify areas where automation and digital integration can improve efficiency and accuracy.

It’s crucial to assess how data is currently collected, stored, and analyzed, as well as how samples are tracked and processed. Understanding your laboratory’s current processes will also help you determine which features are essential in LIMS software, such as data management, sample tracking, and reporting capabilities. Additionally, you should consider any regulatory requirements or industry standards that your laboratory must adhere to, and make sure that the LIMS software you choose is compliant.

How well does the LIMS fit with the To-Be state out of the box?

When searching a LIMS software, it’s important to consider how well it fits with your laboratory’s desired state or “to-be” state. This includes assessing whether the software has the necessary features and capabilities to meet your needs and streamline your processes, as well as whether it can be easily configured to fit your laboratory’s specific requirements.

Some LIMS software may require extensive customization to meet your laboratory’s needs, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, it’s important to ask the LIMS vendors how well the LIMS software fits with your “to-be” state “out of the box,” as this can help you avoid costly and time-consuming customizations down the line. Also, make sure to ask the vendor about their experience with similar implementations. It will help your laboratory to be up and running as quickly and efficiently as possible.

What are the short-term goals vs. long-term plans for the LIMS implementation?

When choosing the right LIMS software, it’s important to consider both your short-term goals and your long-term plan for implementation. Your short-term goals may include immediate improvements to your laboratory’s efficiency and accuracy, while your long-term plan may involve the integration of additional instruments, expansion into new markets, or other growth initiatives.

It’s important to choose LIMS software that can accommodate your short-term goals and also scale to meet your long-term objectives. Make sure to discuss your plans and goals with the vendor. By choosing LIMS software that can support both your short-term goals and long-term plan, you can ensure that your investment will pay off in the long run.

What are their architectural options?

There are several different architecture options, including cloud-based, web-based, and on-premise solutions. Each architecture has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, and it’s important to choose the option that best fits your laboratory’s needs. Cloud-based solutions offer accessibility and scalability, while web-based solutions offer greater customization options. On-premise solutions offer greater control and security but may require a larger investment. It’s important to consider the benefits and costs of each architecture option, as well as any limitations or restrictions.

Make sure to discuss your needs and concerns with the vendor and ask about their experience with different architecture options. By choosing the right architecture option, you can ensure that your LIMS software is fully integrated into your laboratory and meets your specific needs.

How easy is it to adapt and improve the system when lab needs inevitably change?

Laboratories are constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies and processes, and it’s important to choose a LIMS software that can evolve with your laboratory. Look for a solution that is flexible and can be easily configured to meet your changing needs. Additionally, consider the vendor’s support and maintenance options. Make sure to ask about their upgrade and enhancement policies, and how they handle new requirements. By choosing a LIMS software that is adaptable and easy to augment, you can ensure that your laboratory stays ahead of the curve and remains efficient and effective.

If you’re looking for powerful, reliable, and user-friendly LIMS software for your laboratory, QLIMS is designed to meet the unique needs of modern laboratories and is backed by a team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping you get the most out of your investment. With QLIMS, you can streamline your processes, improve your efficiency, and make informed decisions with confidence. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how QLIMS can help you achieve your goals.