Information Management Systems for Molecular Biology
Todd
M. Smith, Dave Campbell, Roberta Connelly,
Andrew Leonard,
Sandra G. Porter, and Joe Slagel
Geospiza, Inc. 3939 NW Leary Way, Seattle WA 98107,
USA
Technological advances in molecular biology have made it possible for laboratories
to generate unprecedented amounts of data. DNA sequencing, for example, has
seen an increase in throughput of over 400-fold in recent years. The accelerated
production of data has produced a corresponding need for better data management.
The increased need for data management is partly due to institutional
changes. Many institutions have been able to economize by establishing
core facilities which offer laboratory services to researchers on a per
sample or project basis. Core facilities are cost-effective because they
provide several researchers with access to expensive equipment and skilled
personnel. Because these core facilities handle a variety of data types
and a large number of samples from multiple sources, their information
management needs provide a worthwhile model for laboratory information
management systems (LIMS).
LIMS are collections of software, communication devices, and computers
that acquire, store, analyze, and present data and information about
laboratory samples and their processing. LIMS centralize data storage,
automate data analysis, and provide quality assurance reports for process
monitoring. The central component of a LIMS is a database with software
interfaces for entering, viewing, and processing information.
The level of complexity needed in a LIMS depends on factors such as
the mission of the laboratory, the number of samples to be processed,
analysis requirements, and workflow complexity. LIMS development presents
many challenges and may take years to complete. Most labs have no need
for a custom LIMS and lack the wherewithal to create one, and thus will
benefit from commercial LIMS
The general features of LIMS will be presented along
with case studies of Geospiza's Finch™-Suite LIMS solution illustrating
how a commercially available software system can be used to meet the
information management
needs of DNA sequencing facilities.
Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities
Conference, 2001 |
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