Instrument Calibrations in LIMS

When you think of a LIMS, you may think about testing and data, but what about the instruments used to complete the testing? Any lab that deals with auditing, such as ISO 17025 or Nadcap, knows the importance of tracking instruments. They need to identify what instrument was used for each test and the active calibration at the time of testing.

Good news! Some LIMS solutions, such as Wavefront LIMS, have created an Instrument Calibration module that integrates with testing. This makes maintaining calibrations, as well as the documentation of the active calibrations during testing, a breeze. Even better, everything is in one system!

Every LIMS provider, that offers such a feature, is going to have their own take on how to address it. Below shows information specific to the LIMS offered by Wavefront Software to provide an example of one method. It is important to compare your laboratory’s needs against what the LIMS provider offers for each module.

Capturing All Information

Each instrument is different from the next, so it is important to be able to capture the appropriate information. Some examples are: how the calibration is to be completed (in house or outsourced), important notes about the instrument and how it should be handled, and notes about the calibration (i.e. if there was any maintenance done as part of the calibration or recommendations for future calibrations). Wavefront LIMS is highly configurable, so the user can create new fields as needed.

Track Upcoming Calibrations

Wavefront LIMS offers a report that identifies the instruments that are expired or are going to expire within the next few months. This is a helpful tool for forward planning of any laboratory.

The interface itself makes expired instruments easy to see at a glance. Color coding the instrument list shows any expired instrument as red.

Applying Instruments to Tests

In Wavefront LIMS, users can select calibrated instruments at the test level. Therefore, a review of the test will include what instrument was used. Each selection also includes the date of the calibration that was then active. This provides an easy view of pertinent information in one spot.

Which LIMS include integrated instrument calibration tracking?

Look for a LIMS that stores each instrument’s calibration record, warns you before calibrations expire, and records which calibrated instrument was used on every test. Wavefront LIMS tracks in-house and outsourced calibrations, reports instruments expiring in the coming months, shows expired instruments in red, and saves the active calibration date with each test result. See calibration tracking in a demo.

How does a LIMS track instrument calibrations?

A LIMS keeps a record for every instrument, including calibration method, due date and maintenance notes, and links instruments to the tests they’re used on. That way, an audit shows exactly which calibrated instrument produced each result. In Wavefront LIMS, users select calibrated instruments at the test level, and reviewers see the instrument and its calibration date in one place.

Tracking instruments and their calibrations inside your LIMS means every test result is tied to a calibrated instrument, expiring calibrations are flagged before they become a problem, and audit records are always ready. With LIMS instrument integration, results can also flow directly from those calibrated instruments into the LIMS, with no manual entry. Schedule a demo to see how Wavefront LIMS can bring your instrument and calibration data together in one place.