STARLIMS Glossary

Accuracy - Proximity between observed and true result. Usually done by measuring known standards to calibrate/evaluate instrumental performance.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) - Devices and applications that can simulate human intelligence and behavior in some situations. Typically an ability to learn and adapt through experience is also implied.

Anchors - See Recognition Anchors.

Audit Trail - A record of events related to a transaction including the original information and any changes to the information used to reconstruct a series of related events that have occurred. It may be composed of manual or computerized records of events and information, or both.

CFR Part 11 - The Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR Part 11) provides compliance information regarding Electronic Records and Electronic Signatures. Basically, certain guidelines are set forth to help insure security, integrity, and confidentially of electronic records and to insure that electronic signatures are as legally binding as hand-written signatures. For more information, refer to the U.S Food and Drug Administration website http://www.fda.gov/ and search for CFR Part 11.        

COA - Certificate of Analysis is a document that provides a defined set of information about a material in compliance with standards. Pharmaceutical companies typically require a COA to accompany a manufactured material, such as a drug in tablet form. The COA provides information such as material description, date the material was released and by whom (using electronic signature), intended use, material reference code, batch number, name and address of certifying body, and so on.

Communication Protocol – A communication technology incorporating a set of digital message formats and rules. They are required to exchange messages between computing systems and are required in telecommunications.

Connection – Connection types indicate the way the system connects to the medical instrument, using one of the international connection protocols. Connections are defined in the SDMS system, where their different parameters are configured, including name, used protocol and behavior.

CSV (Comma Separated Value) - File format that stores tabular data such as MS Excel. CSV is one implementation of a delimited text file which uses a comma to separate values of two-dimensional arrays of data. It uses double quote character (“) around fields that contain reserved characters. Only one table can be stored in a CSV file.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) - The component in a digital computer capable of executing a program.

CCXML - CCXML (Call Control eXtensible Markup Language) is a specialized W3C standard markup language which is particularly designed to facilitate development of a web-based and event-driven call control system for a telecommunication application. SDMS uses CCXML templates to determine rules of communication and data transfer between the laboratory instruments and the server.

Data - Information entered into LIMS user interface fields and frequently moved into the LIMS database fields so that the information becomes available for processing as needed.

DB (Database) - A collection of information organized in such a way that a computer program can quickly select desired pieces of data.

DCU - Data Capture Utility. The Data Capture utility (DCU) can be used to capture instrument results and enter the results into the LIMS automatically when you click a DCU link. The DCU application in STARLIMS works with two interface types: Files and Serial. In the context of the Files interface, the DCU can use a script configured according to instrument file to locate values in particular fields in the file and put these values, typically separated by commas, into a string in an expected order (this is what is referred to as data extraction). It can then enter these comma separated values into results fields  designated in the LIMS. The Serial interface allows you to capture data directly from serial instruments such as RS232 rather than using an intermediate file.

DLL - Dynamic-link library. DLL is Microsoft's implementation of the shared library concept in the Microsoft Windows and OS/2 operating systems.  DLLs can contain code, data, and resources, in any combination.

Documentum - This enterprise content management (ECM) platform from EMC is a family of products that helps manage all types of content across multiple departments within a single repository. With a unified repository, various groups can share and reuse content with other areas of the business that would benefit from access to this information. It also allows businesses to share their content safely with outside organizations including partners, vendors, and customers. You can use Documentum with STARLIMS to attach documents to your laboratory information management system records and to search for the documents using search criteria, such as text within document content, dates, properties of documents, and so on. Documentum provides the LIMS with the version control and search efficiency of the stand-alone product. For more information, refer to EMC website http://software.emc.com/ and search for Documentum.

DRP (Document Recognition Pattern) - Document Template Designer used for recognition and parsing of incoming data. It is used by the parser to identify incoming documents and apply assigned methods to them.

ELN (Electronic Notebook) - A Results field can open into a "work area" in which you can enter results according to the test. These results are then compared to specifications and also calculations can be performed. An ELN parallels the way in which physical lab notebooks are typically used by lab personnel to make and save their notations. ELNs are particularly useful for results that are calculated using multiple variables.

EMPOWER - WATERS Empower Chromatography Data System. This software works with High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography (GC) equipment and interacts with STARLIMS using a bidirectional interface. The interface allows STARLIMS to send a list of samples intermingled with QC samples to EMPOWER and create a METHOD set on the EMPOWER side. In order to view the EMPOWER functionality in STARLIMS, EMPOWER software should be installed locally. Otherwise, EMPOWER settings will be invisible. For more information, refer to the Waters Web site http://www.waters.com.

FDA - Food and Drug Administration. A U.S. government agency that enforces laws on the manufacture, testing and use of drugs and medical devices. For more information, refer to the U.S Food and Drug Administration website http://www.fda.gov.

Fusion - A connectivity platform which connects SDMS with medical instruments and data analyzers and allows a bi-directional data flow using standard communication protocols.

Grabber - An application that monitors the file system and captures newly created files. The files are sent to the server for further processing. The grabber is designed as a standalone WinForms MSIL application that monitors Windows file system for newly created files and uploads them into the server. The grabber also has various audit features, troubleshooting, and other CFR part 11 required features.

GUI - Graphic user interface. A computer terminal interface that is based on graphics (symbols, images or icons) instead of text.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) - A communication protocol used to transfer or convey information on the world Wide Web.

Hibernation - An operating system function that allows powering down a computer while retaining its state.

IDRF (Intermediate document representation format) - Common format between various file/data decoders introducing various methods of data reconstruction. Depending on the input type, decoders will construct a basic IDRF structure object.

IIS (Internet Information Services) - A powerful web server by Microsoft using Windows.

Keyword - Keywords consist of two parts: Key and Value. The key is the fixed part of the keyword and it remains the same in any future document that is treated as the same type. The value changes for each document processed. After a document is uploaded, the system attempts to recognize it based on keyword values in the document that uniquely identify the document, such as an instrument ID for an instrument type document. You create a Data Recognition Pattern to isolate the keywords including the method for parsing them. Elements such as keywords are identified and structured into UXML. You can map those keywords to an output XML template to be used in transporting the data from the document to the LIMS. Importing scripts use the keywords in the output XML to populate STARLIMS tables. Indexed keywords can be used when searching for documents in the system. Keyword indexes are listed at path Utilities >SDMS Admin > Keyword Indexes. For more information, see Creating a Unified XML Template.

LIMS - Laboratory Information Management Systems. Computer application(s) [software] and hardware that can acquire, analyze, report, and manage data and information in the laboratory.        

Login - The acts and procedures by which records are taken into the physical custody of a records center, archival agency, or other records repository.

Metadata - Data about data. Practically, when the Metadata tab appears in STARLIMS it provides an area to expand information. For example, if you are testing a blood sample for rabies that came from an animal, the Metadata tab can provide fields in which you can identify the animal, perhaps a dog, add the animal's owner and place of residence or, in the case of a stray or wild animal, the place where the animal was picked up.

Meta Tag - Meta tags are used by the system to recognize uploaded files as being of a particular file type. After a document is uploaded, the system searches for specific keywords (meta tags) in the document using lists of meta tags from existing File Recognition Patterns (FRPs). The meta tags are stored in a dictionary to be used by all FRPs. You select the keywords to use as meta tags using the File Type Configuration window in the Document Template Designer. For more information, see section Using a File Recognition Method (FRP).

Method (SOP) - Standard Operation Procedure. A detailed document for performing analytical tasks, with standardized materials, step-by-step instructions and detailed appropriate precautions.        

Message – Messages are sent by laboratory instruments to the system, containing medical data gained through these instruments, such as patient test results. The messages are sent using the instrument’s coded language, and the system converts them into humanly-comprehendible information using designated translation objects.

MinCCXML – Minimized CCXML. Min CCXML contains the XML template fields which are unique to the given template only, and omits the fields that are already familiar to the system so that it will be able to reconstruct them automatically when translating messages from a laboratory instrument to the server.

Multirun - Document that consists of repeating runs and therefore in SDMS repeating structures.

Parsing - Syntactic Analysis, the process of analyzing a sequence of tokens to determine its grammatical structure with respect to a given formal grammar. A parser is the component of a compiler that carries out this task.

Performance - Responsiveness of the LIMS with respect to how fast the application software performs all functions.

PDF (Portable Document Format) - File format created by Adobe Systems for document exchange. PDF is used for representing two-dimensional documents as device-independent and display resolution-independent fixed-layout document format that includes the text, fonts, images, and 2-D vector graphics that compose the document.

PMDO - Acronym for Protocol Messaging Definition Object. PMDOs are custom built communication translation objects through which the system sends non-binary messages between complex systems, and provides bi-directional translation from the instrument language into comprehensible text. Using user-defined PMDOs, the content sent between various instruments is parsed into meaningful, predefined fields so it can be further processed and used. You define the translation objects using the Protocol Designer window. For more information, see section Instrument Protocol Translation Objects.

Power-user - Someone who has system access beyond that of the regular user to alter the LIMS, for a range of purposes, such as configuring the default dashboard to applying logic changes to SQL code. A power-user should be a person who has the knowledge to make the system changes appropriately and safely.

Print Spooler - Applications on your computer can send print files to a print spooler. The print spooler service queues print files in the order received. You can view the print jobs, in case of problems, by opening an printer icon at Control Panel > Printers.

Protocol - A set of rules or procedures for transmitting data between electronic devices, i.e. computers and laboratory instruments. In order for computers to exchange information, there must be a preexisting agreement as to how the information will be structured and how each side will send and receive it. Protocols are established by international or industry-wide organizations.

Recognition Anchors - Mandatory objects for specific document type. They are used to identify similar documents and automatically process them.  Visual designer allows the user to "teach" the system what is considered as recognition anchor.

Result - The primary aim in the context of the LIMS is to determine a result of a test, such as presence of HIV, performed on a sample. Analysts enter results of the tests into a Result field in the system. A value is also displayed in the Final result field after specifications (limits) are compared and required calculations are performed.

Role - User access to applications is defined using Roles. Roles can be associated with application access by checking off the applications in a tree-like hierarchy for a role and then assigning the role to users that you want to have that access.

Run - Worksheet, a succession of samples that are run together in the same instrument. For example, a set of HPLC samples that are stacked together in a tray and run one after the other.

Sample - A portion of a material or product intended to be a representative of the whole. A LIMS sample may be further subdivided into sub-samples or aliquots.

SDMS (Scientific Document Management System) - Computer data acquisition system used to track and store electronic documents.

SDMS Grabber - See Grabber.

Sleep Mode - A low power operational mode for electronic devices such as computers that saves significantly on electrical consumption compared to leaving a device fully on.

SOP - Acronym for Standard Operating Procedure.

Stage - The stages that appear in the physical layer of each protocol represent the signals with defined rules that transfer the data from the laboratory instrument to the system. Visually, in the system they provide a meaningful description of the state of the machine (which sends the messages) when it reaches each stage.

Test - Operation performed on a sample. A test may result in one or more determinations. A test may include specifications and procedures for the determinations involved plus sample preparation and biographical information.

Translation Object - See PMDO.

UI - See GUI.

Unified XML (UXML) - An open XML schema that both the Parser and external software can read. Unified XML is the preferred method of data extraction from documents. It requires no coding and it is fast and user friendly. Unified XML output requires a predefined template that the output of the document will fit into. An external application (such as LIMS) can read the schema of the XML that the Parser provides as its output.

User - A registered user on the LIMS system (that is, someone who can log in to the software in some capacity).

XML (Extensive Markup Language) - General-purpose markup language. It is classified as an extensible language because it allows its users to define their own tags. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the sharing of structured data across different information systems, particularly through the Internet. It is used both to encode documents and serialize data.

Workflow (WF) - Planned sequential steps performed within a laboratory. The specimen or sample travels through these steps which can include logging the sample in, testing the sample in the test's own series of steps, and approving the test results and releasing them to the client. There are two workflows that figure prominently in STARLIMS, see the Test Workflow and General Workflow glossary definitions for more information.