LIMS Resource Center
This repository of guidance documents and materials may be helpful for laboratories going through the LIMS acquisition and migration processes.
Resource Documents:
Title | Published | Notes |
|---|---|---|
2013 | The purpose of the document is to provide a comprehensive guide for environmental laboratories on developing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) purchase or implementation. This document, prepared by the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), outlines a holistic approach to assist environmental laboratories in preparing RFPs for LIMS. It emphasizes the importance of considering laboratory informatics holistically, the necessity of electronic messaging for data exchange, and interoperability within public health laboratories. The guide includes detailed sections on public health laboratory business processes, laboratory informatics, data exchange, and a template for RFPs modeled after a recent state RFP process, aiming to facilitate the procurement of LIMS that meet the specific needs of environmental laboratories. Additionally, it addresses the critical components for successful LIMS implementations, such as governance, policies, and practices necessary to support the LIMS infrastructure, and offers insight into the complexities and considerations involved in ensuring efficient, secure, and interoperable data management and exchange in the public health context. | |
Laboratory Information Systems Project Management: A Guidebook for International Implementations | 2018 | The document is a guidebook published by the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), aimed at managing and implementing Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) in international settings. It offers a comprehensive overview of LIS, including their importance for improving laboratory efficiency, data management, and patient outcomes. The guide covers various aspects such as LIS basics, types, core functions, and the steps for starting a national LIS program, aiming to support laboratories at different stages of LIS implementation. |
Requirements for Public Health Laboratory Information Management Systems | 2003 | The document is a comprehensive guide that outlines the requirements for Public Health Laboratory Information Management Systems. Developed through collaboration between state public health laboratories, the Association of Public Health Laboratories, and the Public Health Informatics Institute. The guide emphasizes the critical need for efficient electronic laboratory information management systems, particularly in the wake of bioterrorism events and the spread of diseases like West Nile virus. It serves as both a roadmap and a tool for public health laboratories to develop, enhance, or purchase Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) that can effectively manage and exchange laboratory information. |
Introduction to Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) & Other Information Systems | 2019 | Laboratory informatics is the specialized application of information technology to enable and enhance scientific processes and the delivery of laboratory information. It is a critical part of today’s laboratory operations, helping to ensure high-quality, reliable data and results. This basic-level eLearning course provides an overview of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) – also known as a Laboratory Information System – and other information systems that play a key role in laboratory informatics. Included in the course are explorations of LIMS functionality, the role of the LIMS in interoperability, various regulations and standards regarding information systems and laboratory data, and the steps in implementing a LIMS. This online course is designed for public health and clinical laboratory staff (including managers and leaders) and persons interested in the role and importance of informatics to the operation and mission of the laboratory. Document version: |
Guidebook for Implementation of Laboratory Information Systems in Resource-Poor Settings | 2005 | The document provides guidance for implementing Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) in resource-poor settings, with a focus on supporting HIV/AIDS testing, surveillance, prevention, and care. It outlines strategic planning, development, and management practices for LIS projects, catering to laboratories of various sizes and capacities. The guidebook emphasizes the critical role of LIS in improving patient care and laboratory efficiency, particularly in the context of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) efforts. |
Request for Proposals (RFP) Laboratory Information System (LIS) | 2023 | The purpose of the document is to solicit offers from qualified information technology software providers for implementing a Laboratory Information System (LIS) at Georgian Public Health Laboratories, supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgian National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) surveillance program. The document outlines the requirements for the implementation of an LIS in Georgia, focusing on Phase 1 for initial deployment and considering a potential Phase 2 for further expansion. It details the expectations for the LIS, including its capability to manage clinical, surveillance, and environmental laboratory test data, quality control data, inventory management data, and training information. The RFP emphasizes the need for the LIS to be reliable, scalable, and affordable, ensuring it can be supported in a resource-constrained setting. Proposals are requested to include detailed plans for ongoing operational support, and considerations are made for the procurement of necessary hardware by APHL and/or NCDC Georgia separately from the LIS provider. The document also provides guidelines for the RFP submission process, evaluation criteria, and expectations regarding system documentation, training, technical support, and maintenance. |
The Brave New World of Consolidated and Shared IT Services: A Guide for Laboratories | 2011 | The purpose of the document is to guide public health, agricultural, and environmental testing laboratories on the benefits and drawbacks of various Information Technology (IT) service models. Developed by the APHL’s Informatics Committee, this document addresses the nationwide trend towards IT centralization within state or local government levels. It highlights how IT centralization may improve efficiency and reduce costs in some areas while also outlining potential downsides such as increased costs and the impact on a laboratory’s ability to fulfill its mission due to poor implementation choices. The document covers the totality of the laboratory IT infrastructure beyond just the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), including governance, technical support, and the necessary IT technologies for successful laboratory operations. It provides strategic planning and negotiation guidance for laboratory leaders to effectively communicate with and understand the services provided by IT departments, emphasizing the importance of documented agreements like Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and Service Level Agreements (SLA). |
The Brave New World of Laboratory Informatics II: Navigating in the Digital Age | 2015 | The document is an advanced guide by the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) that explores the evolving field of laboratory informatics within public health. It discusses the necessity of robust, flexible IT infrastructure for public health laboratories (PHLs), case studies on informatics solutions, legal considerations, and the shift towards shared services and cloud computing. The guide is designed to help PHLs navigate the digital age, emphasizing the integration of informatics to improve public health outcomes. |
2013 | The Lab Informatics Self-Assessment Tool allows public health laboratories to assess strengths and gaps in informatics capability by addressing 19 critical operational areas. It charts data longitudinally, enabling laboratories to measure growth and leverage results to advocate effectively for their needs. The tool also offers a suite of data visualization tools that display assessment data graphically and segmented in multiple ways. | |
2020 | The idea for the Public Health Interoperability Training Resource Catalog was born from a small group of volunteers who are committed to elevating the knowledge and skills of anyone and everyone committed to improving Public Health Interoperability. This strong network of volunteers recognized the need for a single-source library of existing training resources. They collected and reviewed hundreds of resources and curated the best for today’s Catalog. |