LIMS Implementation in a Genotyping Study

Abstract

Discovery laboratories are dealing with DNA sequencer-based technologies which have seen great advancement over the past decade, resulting in several steps of the genotyping process becoming automated. This, in turn, has led to increased throughput. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are needed to organize data flow as large amounts of data are difficult to process by hand. A commercially developed LIMS was implemented at a Clinical Pharmacology Division laboratory of Indiana University, Indianapolis, during a P450 2D6 genotyping study. The LIMS application used was BiotrackerTM (Ocimum Biosolutions), and its modular design led users through each step of the genotyping process, from starting an experiment to the storing of output data from the genotype detection step. This ensured that every DNA sample was handled in an identical manner and all the necessary data were captured. The application helped design protocols and experiments, and manage different projects utilizing laboratory resources from the same inventory source, as in any typical laboratory. DNA samples, reagents, instruments, and generated data were also easily recorded and tracked. LIMS provide functions to trace back to protocols, inventories, projects, files or sample source for any genotype data. One of the features of LIMS that is not crucial to academic laboratories but was found useful during this project was the audit trail functionality, which allowed researchers to know who carried out what experiment at what time, and also to track inventories. Workflows of projects were also designed, and submitted for review and approval. Another aspect of this project was a survey to find out the knowledge and attitudes toward LIMS in academic research. It was observed that most academic researchers are not familiar with the total capabilities of LIMS, defined as special computer software that is used in the laboratory for the management of samples, inventories, laboratory users, instruments, standards and other laboratory functions such as invoicing, plate management, and work flow automation. However, several software technologies are employed but mostly for data storage and instrument integration, which normally come with vendor-specific instruments. Also, most respondents in laboratories conducting genotyping studies and DNA sequencing are more likely to use some form of LIMS. Lack of knowledge was cited as the most prevalent reason for not having used LIMS.