1. The Role of LIMS in Improving Laboratory services at NPHL, Kenya
Edwin Ochieng
APHL
HUQAS Conference
Nairobi, Kenya
September 2011

2. Introduction
Information inform of test results is the primary product of the laboratory
This information should be accurate and available on time
Lab data is vital for clinical decision making and public health intervention
Laboratory information system ensures that quality laboratory service has been rendered

3. Laboratory services
Technology shift to fully automated analyzers for batch testing
Rapid scale up of ART program-increased workload
This posses a challenge to analyze samples, summarize, store and retrieve patients results over time from log books and paper records

4. Laboratory Data
Manual specimen management (time consuming and source of errors)
No standardized data (lab) tools
Data not centralized (located on computers/paper/books in different lab sections)
Data managed with different software applications
No specialized software in Data Management System

5. A shift to LIMS
Laboratory information management system (LIMS) is a software designed to electronically store laboratory data. It is accepted standard for data storage, sample management and data retrieval throughout the analytical stage

6. A shift to LIMS-Implementation process

7. High Level Requirements Systems Context DiagramØ
User Accounts
Provider
Management
Patient
Test Catalog
Request
Specimen
Management (storage)
Tracking
Testing
Scheduling
Mangement
Results
Reports
Quality Control
Instrument
maintenance
Manager
TAT module
Inventory
Alerts /events
Tracker
Localization Management
Functional Capabilities
Reference Data
Transactions
Value Add
Hosting
Architecture
Hardware
&
Operating system
Database Mangement
system
Connectivity /
Network
High Availability
Integration
Interface
Software
Security
Backup
Restore
Anti -
virus
Monitoring
Alerts
Audit Trail
System Requirements
LIMS –
High Level Requirements
Systems Context Diagram
Lab
Instruments
Description
Service
Manufacturer
Model
Instrument List
Interfaces

9. At work

10. Successes 1 Sample management streamlined-GLP Generation of reports
Monitor workload per section
Effective use of laboratory resources
-reagent Inventory module
Equipment manager

11. Successes 2 Interface of lab instruments. Validation of results
Capacity building
Faster decision making
Monitor turn around time (TAT)

12. TAT monitoring Days Biannual analysis of TAT for program parameters55 45 32 20 11 5 73 64 22 7 10 30 40 50 60 70 80
January
Febuary
March
April
May
June
ELISA_AG-AB
Viral load
Days
Biannual analysis of TAT for program
parameters
NHRL 2011

13. Testimonials
“Since, the introduction of LIMS in our lab, the services of the laboratory are faster, samples can be tracked, we have improved on TAT, we are happy and I believe our customers too”-
Thomas Gachoki-HIV ref lab

14. Lessons learnt Road to LIMS implementation is bumpy
Facility ownership is key
Instill a sense of ownership early
Need for strong lab leadership and management
User requirements specification require technical experts support

15. Thank you

16. Acknowledgment NPHL/ Strategic information unit HIV reference lab
Microbiology lab
TB Central reference lab
CDC
APHL