When selecting and configuring LIMS software, five major areas of functionality define the biggest differences between potential options. A lab’s requirements within each area will depend on the nature of the work they do. This article explores what those requirements typically look like for a lab focused on next-generation sequencing (NGS).
The work of an NGS lab is characterized by complex, highly varied workflows involving expensive, single-use components and failure rates as high as 20%. So LIMS software for NGS must be designed to manage this complexity while minimizing the risk of failure and providing the flexibility to adapt to different workflows.
1. Sample and library management
Compared to other kinds of labs, an NGS lab deals with a much wider variety of samples and must manage them through a longer life cycle, from library prep through multiple stages of analysis. So an NGS LIMS must be flexible enough to adapt to these different requirements while tracking dozens of metadata and QC fields.
These QC fields are critical because of the risk of waste from the high cost of assay kits and other supplies. The sooner potential issues are identified, the sooner they can be addressed, or the experiments aborted to avoid further costs. So it isn’t enough to collect QC metrics. An NGS LIMS platform must also be configured to send alerts when necessary.
Finally, because NGS runs can contain hundreds or thousands of pooled samples, an NGS LIMS must be able to gracefully scale to this volume of data.
2. Request and workflow management
Many NGS labs function as core facilities, providing a service for other labs, so they must manage a nonstop stream of experiments. And these NGS workflows typically involve many samples and are often more complex than other laboratory applications.
So NGS LIMS software needs a request and workflow management system that can handle this volume and complexity while integrating smoothly with sample and inventory management. Plus, because these complex workflows often involve multiple pieces of over-subscribed hardware, they should include or integrate with an instrument booking system.
Finally, NGS workflows may vary considerably from one experiment to the next, so the workflow management system has to be flexible enough to handle these variations without giving up any more detail than necessary. And because failed steps frequently send experiments back to the drawing board, an NGS LIMS should be able to handle these failures efficiently.
3. Inventory and freezer management
NGS experiments rely on complex, multi-component kits with short shelf lives. Moreover, performance can vary across batches of components, so detailed tracking, down to lot numbers, is often necessary for downstream debugging.
Some components, such as flow cells and sequencing chips, are single-use and cost thousands of dollars. With potentially long lead times for new components, a system that helps proactively identify upcoming needs and arrange bulk discounted orders can quickly pay for itself.
Once they arrive, these components typically have stringent storage conditions. So an NGS inventory system must track detailed information about the locations of these components and the conditions of these locations.
4. Workflow automation
The complexity of NGS workflows makes automation much harder and much more important than for other applications. An NGS LIMS should have the native ability to handle barcodes and integrate with instruments and other data sources.
Moreover, the automation system must be flexible enough to respond if an intermediate step fails, whether that includes sending alerts or automatically adjusting the workflow.
And if data analysis is included in the automated pipelines, the workflow system must be able to manage large-scale data pipelines or integrate with a system that can manage them.
5. Regulatory compliance
The regulatory requirements for an NGS lab depend on the nature of the samples being handled and what the data is being used for. We previously published a more detailed Guide to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), which provides more guidance on compliance.
For here, we’ll just note that complexity of NGS samples and workflows makes many aspects of GLP, including audit trails and chain of custody much harder. So labs that need to run these kinds of workflows should pick a LIMS platfrom that’s specifically designed for regulatory compliance.
Is Sapio’s NGS LIMS right for your lab?
These are the five biggest areas of functionality to consider when purchasing and configuring a new LIMS. And Sapio’s LIMS software, part of its AI-enhanced lab informatics platform, is a great option for many NGS labs. To see it for yourself, why not get in touch with us for a demo of Sapio LIMS.
