August 5, 2011
For more information, contact:
Conor Ward
ChemWare
919.855.8716
cward@chemware.com
New Hampshire
Public Information Office
603.271.6526
Twitter: NHDHHSPIO
CONCORD, NH - The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services, Bureau of Laboratory Services went “live” with its new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) on June 28, 2011. The realization of a LIMS was made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Emergency Response Grant.
Funds were awarded to replace the legacy Laboratory Information Tracking System (LITS), released in 1999, with a software application that would support not only critical influenza testing, but also modern testing technologies, such as molecular diagnostics, bioterrorism testing, chemical testing, and arboviral testing. After extensive market research, which included a formal Request for Information, to evaluate alternative approaches, the Department determined that the ChemWare application was the best solution. The LIMS program was implemented in less than 13 months.
“This is a huge step forward for our Public Health Laboratories and their ability to track samples and report on testing,” said Dr. José Montero, Director of Public Health at DHHS. “We knew the system needed to be upgraded, but the H1N1 pandemic really brought into sharp focus the need for new technology which would allow us to get samples logged in quicker and get test results out faster and more broadly.”
The new LIMS will provide electronic laboratory reporting (ELR) for medical providers and allow the submission of laboratory test requests electronically to the PHL. This eliminates the need for paper requisitions and paper lab reports. Additional laboratory enhancements include direct instrument interfaces into the LIMS, improved specimen identification through the use of bar code technology, and improved quality assurance and management reports.
To learn more about the Public Health Labs, visit http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/lab/index.htm.