SLIMS: a LIMS for handling next-generation sequencing workflows

Abstract

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is becoming a standard method in modern life-science laboratories for studying biomacromolecules and their interactions. Methods such as RNA-Seq and DNA resequencing are replacing array-based methods that dominated the last decade. A sequencing facility needs to keep track of requests, requester details, reagent barcodes, sample tracing and monitoring, quality controls, data delivery, creation of workflows for customised data analysis, privileges of access to the data, customised reports etc. An integrated software tool to handle these tasks helps to troubleshoot problems quickly, to maintain a high quality standard, and to reduce time and costs needed for data production. Commercial and non-commercial tools called LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) are available for this purpose. However, they often come at prohibitive cost and/or lack the flexibility and scalability needed to adjust seamlessly to the frequently changing protocols employed. In order to manage the flow of sequencing data produced at the IIT Genomic Unit, we developed SLIMS (Sequencing LIMS).