Laboratory Information Management (LIMS) on the Road II:
the Virtual Lab

James E Picker, Ph.D.,

H&P Mobile Geochemistry

Escondido, CA

December 15, 2005

In a previous article we described how the use of current wireless computer networking technology combined with state-of-the-art Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) brings the ability to perform complex chemical analysis, quality assurance and reporting into virtual real time mode. The use of mobile laboratories to analyze samples and collect data on site for clients has been providing the field environmental scientist with real time decision making capability for some time. By utilizing PC based LIMS and wireless computer networking, the mobile labs were able to return to the fixed base facility, and their data was instantly available to review by QC personnel. In addition, multiple laboratories could be assigned to a given site and, through the use of wireless networking, act as if they were a single multi-instrument lab.

Now, however, the technology is available to bring together data from multiple instruments in multiple locations and to provide data review, QC and reporting just as if those samples were delivered to a single fixed base facility. A mobile lab on site, for example in Salt Lake City, can be analyzing samples and combine their data with our San Diego based mobile lab and/or any other number of labs regardless of location whether fixed or mobile. The data reviewer can be located in another city, state or even another country. All this can be performed in real time to deliver to a project manager, anywhere in the world, real time analytical data.

Organic analyses such as volatile organic analysis by GC/MS, which create large data sets can now be efficiently entered into a central LIMS system from anywhere at anytime. Data can be obtained and collated in the field, QC can be evaluated in real time, final reports can be issued and electronic deliverables can be created and downloaded to geologists and other project management for use in their modeling and project planning software. All this can occur virtually within minutes of sample analysis and while further sampling and analysis is occurring.

Pieces to the puzzle.

H&P Mobile Geochemistry of Escondido, CA has pioneered the instrument data gathering and analysis validation in the field. They have created a virtual lab which encompasses fixed base facilities as well as mobile laboratories and direct push sampling capabilities. The three fixed base facilities and the fleet of 10 mobile laboratories operate throughout California and range as far away as Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming. The labs are fully CA and NY State certified mobile labs for daily, weekly or long term environmental assessment and remediation projects. Their vans include IR, GC and GC/MS equipment to perform standard EPA test methods. Designed by H&P Mobile Geochemistry with specialized power supplies these mobile labs are operated by a single field chemist who independently performs the tests and reports both verbal and hardcopy results to client field personnel usually within a few minutes of receiving a sample for volatile analysis.

The heart of the virtual lab system is a computer server located at H&Ps facilities containing a versatile and powerful LIMS system. The mobile laboratories also contain part of the LIMS programming required for data transfer. The LIMS system handles all phases of lab information management. The field chemist enters data such as client, project and site information directly to the server in the corporate office. Data from instruments is downloaded from the instrument control and analysis software directly to the LIMS system. Method and QC information, such as control limits are already contained in the LIMS database. The LIMS system automatically notes and flags areas of concern such as missed surrogate control limits, target compounds in blanks, etc. A second party can review the results in the LIMS system from the home office, satellite office, the field or any location with internet access.

The Verizon aircard and a laptop computer are all that is required to access the LIMS from anywhere cell phone service is available. The LIMS system is the ELEMENT Data System from Promium, LLC of Bothell, WA.

The starting point of this system is the inclusion of a wireless aircard to at least one computer in each mobile laboratory. Available from Verizon Inc. these aircards function over Verizons cellular phone network. Currently the coverage is extensive across the country with more than 54 cities offering broadband speeds with normal access in most other metropolitan areas. Laboratory facilities regardless of location can log on to the LIMS on the server. Data can be downloaded to the server from any number of laboratory facilities, can be reviewed by QC personnel from anywhere and reports both in *.pdf format and electronic deliverables (EDD) can be emailed to clients from the server location.

Supervisors and lab directors can review the data in each of the laboratories using the same server network and LIMS program. Client project managers can receive completed reports in their office and forward them to data managers on a daily or hourly basis.

Over the air waves

The power and flexibility of the aircard network/LIMS system was demonstrated recently when two of H&Ps mobile laboratories (and multiple direct push Strataprobe sampling trucks) were used on a single site over a three week period. The task was to collect and analyze over four hundred soil vapor samples for volatile organics by a modified EPA Method 8260B from a large site near the Long Beach, CA airport.

Owing to the client project timetable requirements and Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board and California Department of Toxic Substance Control LARWQCB/DTSC requirements for rapid analysis of soil vapor, the samples could not be transported to a fixed base facility but had to be analyzed with an hour of sampling. This meant the use of two field laboratories in order to handle the strict requirement of 40 analyses per day which would meet the client schedule.

The client also required a daily report on the samples so that additional sampling locations could be selected. In addition the client required daily uploads of electronic data in a specific format and hence, asked for a daily EDD in that format.

All the above were easily accomplished well within clients deadlines and specifications. Using the internet access capability of the mobile labs, each of the mobile labs was able to log on to the server and place their data on the server in Escondido, CA. The data reviewer, located at H&Ps satellite office in Lakewood, CA reviewed the data and prepared *.pdf reports and the electronic deliverable on a daily basis. Once the data was pulled into the LIMS, a single data reviewer was able to review, correct if necessary, and write narratives for the report before publishing it for the client prior to the next morning. The data reviewer was able to access the server from his desktop computer. The data reviewer was also able to create the EDD each evening for the client to enter into their database. The project was completed ahead of schedule. The laboratories were able to process 40 samples per day (a 50% increase over expectation). Reports were delivered daily as were electronic deliverables.

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