Tuesday, December 11, 2012

How To Evaluate Laboratory Specimen Tracking Software

Many businesses, including specialized medical establishments, laboratory facilities, educational facilities and many more, need to keep track of and organize data linked to laboratory samples. This need has expanded in recent years beyond the straightforward tracing of individual items into an extended resource that takes care of all aspects of data in the laboratory work area. This control over laboratory info often includes, but isn't limited to, specimen log-in and info; assignment and tracking; handling and quality control; safe-keeping of the sample; and collection of details connected to samples into records. When choosing a software to trace these multi-level tasks, it is important to think about the following factors:

Beyond Inventory

As stated before, the handling of laboratory information ought to extend further than pure calculation of inventory. Samples should be able to be tracked by way of storage type, form of processing (shipping, aliquoting, thawing and more), origins and much more. Storage type shouldn't be confined to freezers or fridge units--tracking needs to be made possible for the purpose of shelving installations, boxes, spaces, buildings and so on. Workflow tracking should be able to include records from external sources in addition to interoperability with other systems available within the lab. An audit trail is yet another critical element, capturing each and every modification made to the files such as a user name and a date/time stamp. Last but not least, secureness must be guaranteed with differing stages of authorization and accessibility.

Interoperability

As a lab administrator, you'll need assorted systems that will communicate flawlessly. Your laboratory sample tracking software should permit you to push and pull files from various places online or on location to allow for the broadest, best picture of your data files feasible. Furthermore, any Web interface has to be secured by security measures including digital certificates in addition to authorized logins and security passwords. The best of all worlds is to use software that's been CFR 21 Part 11 certified, that is, confirmed using the rigid Food And Drug Administration guidelines for software development.

Customization

Because laboratories deviate so much in type and purpose, the specimen tracking software you finally choose should be able to be tailored to the workflow of the lab. This may incorporate specific data fields (such as default values as well as categorical values) and validation assessments, in which you will be able to be sure that data integrity is shielded. In addition, you'll want to be able to make reports quickly and within customizable parameters. It is a plus if you can produce these kinds of reports on an automatic basis to free up staff time and work as milestones for work in progress.

Data Verification

Inside a laboratory setting, possessing clean data is very important. Tracking software that allows for data normalization in addition to verification checks can aid in eliminating typing goof ups and data flaws which can cost your lab money to solve. Templates that allow for for data to be automatically developed as records are put in or modified or when data is imported from another source can make ease of laboratory procedures and save you valuable time.

BSI Systems provides laboratory sample tracking software for specimen inventory management.