have an impact on the LIMS of the future. Interpretations based on the combined results from different work stations will be performed within the LIMS. The knowledge to do this will be entered into artificial intelligence data structures by the professionals that are currently using the LIMS results to an alyze problems, draw conclusions, and make technical and business decisions. An important driving force behind this scheme is the desire to capture such knowledge and experience so that it re mains available to the organization even after the professional that learned it through a lifetime of experience has retired or left the company. The LIMS provides better record keeping functions, streamlined labora tory workflow, and improved perfor mance through faster reporting, better quality control, and fewer mistakes. It also raises expectations about the level of service that can be expected from an analytical laboratory. Most testing lab oratories that have not already done so will elect to install a LIMS in the next few years. Those who do not will find themselves falling behind increasingly enhanced professional and productivi ty standards that are made possible by this new technology.
Gilmore, T. Amer. Lab. March 1988, 34. (14) Megargle, R. G; Shecket, G.; Foulis, P. R. Anal. Instrum. Comput. 1984,1(1), 6. (15) Berthrong, P. G.; Goldberg, R.; Somani, K.; Gilmore, T. Amer. Lab. Septem ber 1987, 98. (16) Scheil, W. Α.; Hoffmann, Κ. Μ. Pre sented at the First International LIMS Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, June 23-25, 1987. (17) Cooper, C. A. Presented at the First International LIMS Conference, Pitts burgh, PA, June 23-25, 1987.
References (1) Dessy, R. E. Anal. Chem. 1983,55, 70 A. (2) Dessy, R. E. Anal. Chem. 1983, 55, 277 A. (3) Megargle, R. G.; Auping, J. V.; Greenbauer-Seng, L. A. Anal. Instrum. Cornput. 1984,1(2), 5. (4) McDowell, R. D., Ed. Laboratory Infor mation Management Systems; Halsted Press: New York, 1987. (5) Tobin, F. Presented at the First Inter national LIMS Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, June 23-25,1987. (6) Guy, W.; Irwin, R.; Bindell, J. Presented at the Second International LIMS Con ference, Pittsburgh, PA, June 14-16, 1988. (7) Rapley, A. L.; Jordan, D. Presented at the Second International LIMS Confer ence, Pittsburgh, PA, June 14-16, 1988. (8) Subak, E. J. Presented at the Second International LIMS Conference, Pitts burgh, PA, June 14-16, 1988. (9) Woo, N. Presented at the Second Inter national LIMS Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, June 14-16,1988. (10) Lepore, P., Ed. Computerized Data Systems for Nonclinical Safety Assess ment; Drug Information Association: Maple Glen, PA, 1988. (11) Mattes, D. C. In McDowell, R. D., Ed.; Laboratory Information Management Systems; Halsted Press: New York, 1987, p. 339. (12) Myer, R. S.; Faulkner, H. C; Farment, R. H. Presented at the Second Interna tional LIMS Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, June 14-16,1988. (13) Janney, R.; Davis, C; Brencovich, E.;
Robert Megargle earned a Ph.D. from Clarkson University in 1968. He has specialized in laboratory automation and instrument development since 1969. His earlier work in instrumentcomputer interfacing has expanded to include computer networks for the laboratory, LIMS, and laboratory ro botics.
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R A D I O M E T E R A N A L Y T I C A L A/S KROCSHOJVEJ 49 DK-2880 BAGSVAERD DENMARK CIRCLE 143 ON READER SERVICE CARD ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 6 1 , NO. 9, MAY 1, 1989 · 621 A
