SLM (Sample Lifecycle Manager)

SLM

We released the latest version of SLM (Sample Lifecycle Manager) on February 1st, and the site has been a resounding success so far. SLM supports life sciences laboratory services offered by UAGC including:

• DNA extraction
• Sanger sequencing
• DNA fragment analysis (str/microsatellite)
• Sequenom genotyping
• Sequenom methylation analysis
• Taqman genotyping
• 454 sequencing
• Ion Torrent sequencing (coming soon)

EAGER

SLM is built with Eager, an application framework for developing custom LIMS. Eager is a collection of Django apps that provide common LIMS functionality including:

• Workflow management with GLP compliant status logging
• GLP compliant user and lab access control and management
• Sample/tube/grid submission and management
• Volume and concentration tracking
• Automated sample and reagent dilution and 'cherry picking' transfers
• Reagent lot tracking
• Data management and collaboration
• Integration with SOP management system
• Environmental monitoring

The core features of Eager can be used 'out-of-the-box' for a complete LIMS solution with a generic sample tracking workflow, or can be customized to provide service specific workflows (such as Sequenom, 454, Ion Torrent, etc.) The framework includes tons of features, and additional workflows can be easily added by an experienced Django developer. Custom workflows are simply custom Django apps that hook into Eager's workflow definition system. All client-side code is written with the Dojo framework.

I am hoping to release the Eager framework on GitHub this spring or summer (it will be the first "open-source LIMS that doesn't suck"), but it currently needs to be reviewed by our IP/legal department first.