Laboratory instrument integration for direct data capture

Purpose

1. Automate the direct data capture from biochemistry laboratory instruments into LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) or other data repositories.

2. Automate parsing and formatting of raw instrument output to uniform data structures.

3. Automates connection between laboratory devices, third-party analytics, compliance platforms, and report generation systems to streamline workflows.

4. Supports auditable traceability, automated validation, and secure archiving of all laboratory data.

5. Enables lab staff to automate repetitive transcription tasks, reducing risk of error and expediting turnaround times through automated processes.

Trigger Conditions

1. Automated detection of new data output file generated by instrument (e.g., .csv, .txt, .xml, proprietary format).

2. Receiving automated HTTP/REST webhook from instrument software upon run completion.

3. Scheduled polling of an instrument-connected directory or remote server for new or updated data.

4. Automated manual scan of instrument barcodes or IDs to associate data sets.

5. Automated API call from LIMS requesting instrument data capture for specific workflows.

Platform Variants

1. Thermo Fisher Platform for Science

• API Endpoint: POST /data/import
  
• Feature/Setting: Automates raw file ingestion from local instrument, mapping to LIMS sample ID.
  

2. LabWare LIMS

• Connector: Parse Instrument Files
  
• Feature/Setting: Automates data file import and validation with auto-mapping rules.
  

3. agilent OpenLab

• Integration Service: Data Capture API
  
• Feature/Setting: Automates sending chromatograph results directly to the configured storage endpoint.
  

4. STARLIMS

• Web Service: ImportInstrumentResults
  
• Feature/Setting: Automates ingestion of analyte concentration data per run.
  

5. Waters Empower

• Functionality: Data Export Scheduling
  
• Feature/Setting: Automates batch export and delivery to target FTP/SFTP or API endpoint.
  

6. Labguru

• API: Instrument Integration
  
• Feature/Setting: Automator connects real-time instrument output to experiment records.
  

7. Benchling

• Feature: Instrument Integration API
  
• Sample configuration: Automates linking CSV file drops to registered samples.
  

8. LabCollector

• Plugin: Instrument Data Upload
  
• Feature/Setting: Automates scheduled upload and parsing of instrument files to the lab database.
  

9. Siemens Lab Solution

• Module: Automated Data Transfer
  
• Feature/Setting: Automates bidirectional flow between instrument and Siemens LIMS.
  

10. Clarity LIMS (Illumina)

• Function: REST Data Endpoint
  
• Setting: Automates direct ingestion of instrument output files with metadata attachment.
  

11. Bio-Rad CFX Maestro

• Export Settings: Auto-export to folder/API
  
• Sample configuration: Automates PCR result transcription to downstream analysis.
  

12. Tecan Connect

• Functionality: DataStream API
  
• Feature: Automates data transfer pipetting log to LIMS endpoint.
  

13. PerkinElmer Signals

• Service: Lab Data Adapter
  
• Feature: Automates parsing proprietary instrument formats and upload to central repository.
  

14. Scinote

• API: Results Import
  
• Function: Automates raw data capture for ELNs (Electronic Lab Notebooks).
  

15. LabArchives

• Integration: Automated File Capture
  
• Feature: Automates storage of instrument runs, linking to assigned experiment folders.
  

16. Fulgent LIMS

• Gateway: Instrument Interface
  
• Feature: Automates scheduled polling and file import.
  

17. MGI Data Automation

• API: Batch Analysis Data Receiver
  
• Feature/Setting: Automates data receipt and error-logger on transfer failure.
  

18. GenoLogics LIMS

• Service: File Import API
  
• Setting: Automates monitored directory for new instrument files and sample linkage.
  

19. OnQ LIMS

• Component: Automated Instrument Connection
  
• Feature/Setting: Automates log file parsing and standardized import.
  

20. Labforward

• API: Instrument Data Logger
  
• Sample configuration: Automator for real-time experiment result capture.
  

21. ChemStation (Agilent)

• Script: Data Export Automation
  
• Feature/Setting: Automates routine export and delivery to LIMS via network share or URL.
  

22. AutoLIMS

• Feature: Instrument Interface
  
• Setting: Automates mapping of output to patient/sample records with automated notification if result threshold breached.
  

Benefits

1. Automates elimination of manual data entry, reducing human error and risk.

2. Improves turnaround times with automated data availability.

3. Supports audit trails and automates compliance documentation.

4. Automates integration with multiple downstream analytic platforms for immediate result use.

5. Automates alerting for abnormal results or failed data imports.

6. Frees laboratory staff from repetitive automatable tasks, focusing on value-added activities.

7. Automatedly structures and formats raw instrument data for unified reporting and regulatory review.