Sample management software is the part of a LIMS the sample itself lives in: receipt and accession, location and status, the tests assigned and done, the storage position, the retention date and the disposal. Sample management as a practice is moving the sample through those states with a record of each; a sample management system is whatever keeps that record, and sample management systems differ by whether the storage map and the retention calendar are in it or in a spreadsheet beside it. This page is about the record for a small lab, and the free sample storage sheet on this site works the storage side of it from the lab's own numbers with no account.
The sample's states in a sample management system
Received, accessioned, in testing, awaiting review, released, in retention, disposed: each with a date and a person, each a question the lab is asked. A sample management system that keeps the state as a dropdown and the date as a field answers the question; one that keeps a log answers it after a search.
Location as part of the record
Freezer, rack, box, position: the location is a field on the sample, not a map on the wall, and the sample storage sheet on this site works what the map holds and when it fills, 23,328 vials, 64% occupied and nine months to full on the worked example.
Retention and disposal as a calendar
The retention period sets the disposal date on receipt; the sample management software that keeps it lists what leaves this month, and the sample retention sheet on this site works how much is held under retention at steady state. Limslane Pro keeps the sample through all seven states at one flat price.
Questions people ask about sample management software
What is sample management software?
The record of the sample through receipt, testing, review, release, storage, retention and disposal, with a date and a person at each state, and the storage and retention arithmetic worked from it.
How do sample management systems differ?
By whether the storage map and the retention calendar are in the record or beside it. The free sheets on this site work both from the lab's own figures.
Does the paid plan keep the storage map?
Yes: freezer, rack, box and position on every sample, with the retention date and the disposal, exportable at any time.