Integration of measuring devices with LIMS: full laboratory automation.

What does integrating an analysis device with LIMS entail?

Connecting analysers and other measurement devices to a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a significant step towards automating workflow, improving efficiency, and ensuring the integrity of results obtained by laboratories. This process involves setting up communication between the devices and the LIMS to enable automatic upload of lists and results.

What are the different methods and technologies for connecting devices to the LIMS?

Device integration interfaces connect analysers and measurement devices in the laboratory to the laboratory information management system (LIMS), enabling communication between them. The type of interface required depends on the device type, the software it uses, and the capabilities of the LIMS itself.

The following review outlines the main integration technologies and methodologies.

Main integration technologies:

Serial connection (RS-232)

The analyser and the PC running LIMS can be connected directly via RS-232 serial ports.

Advantage: it provides a direct connection, allowing for automatic responses in real time.

Disadvantage: it is an outdated connection method that is becoming obsolete, primarily due to the limited cable length and the fact that most modern PCs no longer have built-in RS-232 ports as standard.

Network connection (TCP/IP)

Communication is via a local area network (LAN) using two IP addresses that open a specific port via TCP/IP protocols.

Advantage: It is a direct, faster and more robust connection that allows for automatic real-time responses. Modern equipment can connect to the network and integrate with other devices via TCP/IP connections.

Disadvantage: Not all analysers are capable of connecting to a LAN.

File exchange connection

Many devices can export results in common file formats such as CSV, TXT, XML or Excel. The LIMS, or middleware, checks a designated network folder where the instrument places those files. The files are then read by the connection interface and the data is imported into the LIMS.

Advantage: It is a simple and easy to implement connection.

Disadvantage: It is not real-time, as there is a delay between the file being recorded and being read. Making it difficult to verify the read data.

Connection by APIs

Some advanced devices and modern LIMS offer APIs that enable different software systems to interact with each other. This enables more flexible and customised integration.

Advantage: The connection is direct, flexible and allows for automatic responses in real time.

Disadvantage: The connection is more complex to programme, which increases costs.

Connection by Web Service

Some advanced tools offer web services that enable different software systems to interact. This allows for more flexible and customisable integration.

Advantage: It is a direct connection, very flexible, allowing automatic responses in real time.

Disadvantage: The connection is more complex to programme, which increases costs.

Connection by Middleware

Middleware is an intermediate software that makes the integration between the analyser and the LIMS easier.

Advantage: It is an interface hub, which makes possible to connect a variety of devices through it, thus simplifying the management of the devices and simplifying their connection.

Disadvantage: The connection is more complex to programme, which increases costs.

Main standardised integration methodologies or formats:

ASTM

It is a widely used standard for communication between laboratory devices and information systems. It defines the messages format for exchanging sample data, results and quality control data.

HL7

HL7 is a leading clinical and healthcare standard for the exchange of clinical information, including laboratory results. Many clinical analytical analysers support HL7 as standard. There are different versions and formats, including Pipes and XML.

HL7 FHIR

It is a standard that enables the information exchange in the healthcare environment and was created to enhance the power of the HL7 standard. It uses RESTful protocols using JSON, XML or RDF formats.

Personalised Protocolos

Some device manufacturers use their own communication protocols. In these cases, it will be necessary to develop a specific driver.

Find out why Zendo Lims, in addition to connecting to any equipment or analyser that allows it, is also a Laboratory Equipment Management Software which allows for traceability, calibration and maintenance.

Benefits of having integrated devices with a LIMS

Connecting analytical equipment to a LIMS offers many great advantages that significantly improve efficiency, traceability and quality in laboratories.

Manual Transcription Error Removal

Human errors caused by manual data entry are eliminated, which increases the quality and reliability of reported data.

Increasing Operational Efficiency

Staff are free to focus on other, more valuable tasks after the time spent on data transcription is greatly reduced.

Improving Traceability

All communications between the devices and the LIMS are recorded, creating a comprehensive audit trail. This ensures traceability and makes it easier to comply with regulations.

Optimised Workflow

A more agile workflow from the time the analysis is requested until the results are received. Response times and delivery of final reports are reduced.

Optimising the Use of Resources

Improved monitoring of equipment performance and usage.

Simplified Regulatory Compliance

Facilitates compliance with standards such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), ISO 17025, ISO 15189 and similar, by ensuring data integrity and traceability.

Find out more about the tools Zendo Lims has to be a Laboratory Quality Management System.

Common challenges regarding connections

Connecting the equipment is not straightforward, and there are some challenges to consider.

Diversity of Instruments and Protocols: En el mercado hay una gran variedad de equipos y la falta de estandarización pueder complicar la integración.

Old Instruments: Equipos antiguos pueden tener capacidades de integración más limitadas, por lo que no siempre la conexión es totalmente eficaz y operativa.

Data Security: Es preciso asegurar la transmisión de la información y que cumpla las normas de protección de datos.

Trend analysis and continuous improvement: A LIMS enables trend analysis by storing large volumes of historical data. This helps identify patterns over time, which is essential for continuous improvement..

Configuration complexity: The configuration process and data mapping may require technical expertise and an understanding of the industry.

Resistance to Change: It is vital to cultivate a culture of change and to provide staff with the support they need to adapt to new automated workflows.

In summary, connecting analysers and measurement devices to the LIMS is an investment that offers significant paybacks in terms of efficiency, data quality and compliance. Detailed planning, choice of the right tools and methodical implementation are key to successful integration. It is advisable to work closely with the LIMS supplier and, if necessary, with instrument integration specialists. With Zendo Lims, measuring devices can be connected in under 30 minutes. If the interface is not developed, we guarantee to have the device up and running within 24–48 hours.