Field Data Entry into LIMS

Changes in regulatory compliance testing, including in-stream monitoring and stormwater sample collection, increased the amount of field data needing to be manually entered into the LIMS, Laboratory Information Management System. Taking time to manually enter field data and complete the sample log in process before samples were split and delivered to various labs for analysis, threatened the holding time requirements for some samples and often required analysts to work over time. The primary goal of this project was to collect the samples, enter the field data, complete the sample log in, and get samples delivered to specific labs in a timely manner. Additional goals included minimization of transcription errors, faster access to field data, the use of bar codes to track samples, and eliminating the need for overtime. Using a BlackBerry and barcode scanner field crews were able to collect samples, enter field data, and log samples into the Laboratory LIMS while in the field. Upon returning to the Laboratory samples were immediately split and delivered into specific lab areas for analysis.