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Notes & Papers
LIMS is an industry standard acronym for Laboratory Information Management System. A LIMS is an software application used to automate the routine operations of a laboratory. A LIMS solution should provide a basic level of functionality. A LIMS should allow for:
A LIMS should also be flexible to the laboratory environment. The LIMS should be adaptable, with minimal user intervention, to any lab setting.
Drift correction - How to use Drift Correction, single point One of the many functions implemented at Online Worksheet is the single point drift correction. This powerful feature can be used for many techniques, where drift correction has to be applied after the run. The primary factors limiting accuracy and precision using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in matrix-matched external standardization are machine drift and variation of the instrument response as a function of mass. We assume the drift is linear and changes proportional to the time and the sampling. An analytical procedure and an off-line data reduction algorithm have been developed which correct for these variations and produce a significant improvement in analytical accuracy and precision. In this technique, a 'drift correction' standard is analyzed after every group of samples (5 recommended).
In science, all numbers are based upon measurements (except for a very few that are defined). Since all measurements are uncertain, we must only use those numbers that are meaningful. A common ruler cannot measure something to be 22.4072643 cm long. Not all of the digits have meaning (significance) and, therefore, should not be written down. In science, only the numbers that have significance (derived from measurement) are written. Online Worksheet offers a very advanced number formatting tool, allowing automated number reporting. The system is able to round in three different modes:
DATA MANIPULATION BY AN AU-AG FIRE ASSAY ANALYSIS To perform a Au-Ag analysis by Fire Assay, gravimetric method, only three balance readings are required. There are a lot of data manipulation to be made to get the final analysis. The next example demonstrates the number of manipulations required to obtain the results for 250 samples per a day: Analysis of Au - Ag
Calculation Steps:
Assuming that we can use a programmable calculator where the chemical formula can be programmed, the total number of digits required to be type would be 2500 x 42 = 150,000 digits per day, without considering repetitions and typing errors. If we consider an average of 2 digits per second ( without stopping ), it would require approximately 20.8 hours to type in the 150,000 digits. To this time we have to add the sample id typing. From this example it is easy to deduce the magnitude of the human error.
Cost AnalysisA cost analysis can be done by looking at cost reductions associated with using Online Worksheet. By using Online Worksheet, laboratory instruments can be directly integrated into a database, which can produce significant time savings for most analytical laboratories. Instrument integration includes anything from a simple instrument connection (that reduces data typing) to complex data processing and the reporting of final results to the LIMS.For example, the following table estimates the costs related to manual data handling for a standard laboratory with 13 instruments. Online Worksheet can save this laboratory $435.00 per shift per day by replacing manual data handling alone. When the time and cost savings associated with automated data processing, quality control, and reporting are included, the cost savings can be as much as $ 570.00 per day. At that rate, Online Worksheet can return your investment for itself within 3 months.
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