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LIMS for Light Stable Isotopes is a Laboratory
Information Management Program based on Microsoft Access for managing
samples, analyses, reports, and other data in a stable isotope laboratory.
The reliability and accuracy of isotopic data can be improved
by utilizing database software to:
- Store information about samples.
- Store the delta values of mass spectrometric analyses of samples.
- Calculate analytical results using standardized algorithms stored
in the database.
- Normalize stable isotopic data to international delta scales using
isotopic reference materials analyzed with unknowns.
- Generate multi-sheet paper templates for convenient sample loading
of automated mass-spectrometer sample preparation manifolds.
Major benefits of this system include:
- A dramatic improvement in quality assurance.
- An increase in laboratory efficiency.
- Reduction in workload due to the elimination or reduction of the
retyping of data by laboratory personnel.
- A decrease in errors in data reported to sample submitters. Such a
database provides a complete record of when and how often laboratory
reference materials have been analyzed and it provides a record of what
correction factors have been used through time. It provides an audit
trail for laboratories.
LIMS for Light Stable Isotopes has proven useful in laboratories
that:
- Receive samples for isotopic analysis from numerous
individuals.
- Perform at least a few thousand isotopic analyses per year.
- Users who do not meet at least one, and likely both these criteria,
will probably not find worthwhile the investment in time that it takes
to learn and fully apply LIMS for Light Stable Isotopes.
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