LII:LIMS Selection Guide for Food Safety and Quality/Blank LIMSpec template for food and beverage labs

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A1. Introduction and methodology

Introduction

Systems Requirement Analysis.jpg

Merriam-Webster defines a "specification" as "a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something."[1] In other words, an existing or theoretical product, concept, or idea is presented in detail for a particular audience. In a broad sense, detailing the specifics about a project, concept, or idea to others is just common sense. This applies just as well to the world of software development, where a software requirements specification is essential for preventing the second most commonly cited reason for project failure: poor requirements management.[2]

In fact, the ISO/IEC/IEEE 29148:2018 standard (a conglomeration of what was formerly IEEE 830 and other standards) is in place to help specify "the required processes implemented in the engineering activities that result in requirements for systems and software products" and provides guidelines for how to apply those requirements.[3] The standard describes the characteristics that make up quality software requirement development, including aspects such as[4]:

  • correctly describing system behavior;
  • effectively removing ambiguity from the language used;
  • completely covering the system behavior and features;
  • accurately prioritizing and ranking the requirements; and
  • unequivocally ensuring the requirements are testable, modifiable, and traceable.

A requirement typically comes in the form of a statement that begins with "the system/user/vendor shall/should ..." and focuses on a provided service, reaction to input, or expected behavior in a given situation. The statement may be abstract (high-level) or specific and detailed to a precise function. The statement may also be of a functional nature, describing functionality or services in detail, or of a non-functional nature, describing the constraints of a given functionality or service and how it's rendered. An example of a functional software requirement could be "the user shall be able to query either all of the initial set of databases or select a subset from it." This statement describes specific functionality the system should have. On the other hand, a non-functional requirement, for example, may state "the system's query tool shall conform to the ABC 123-2014 standard." The statement describes a constraint placed upon the system's query functionality. Once compiled, a set of requirements can serve not only to strengthen the software requirements specification, but the requirements set can also be used for bidding on a contract or serve as the basis for a specific contract that is being finalized.[5]

Over the years, a wide variety of companies, consultants, and researchers have compiled public and private software requirements specifications for laboratory informatics systems. These compiled lists of requirements for how a given laboratory informatics solution should be developed, delivered, and maintained have changed as technology and user demand have evolved. Often times, these requirements documents turn into a mix of "wishlist" requirements from potential and active clients, as well as regulation-mandated requirements. The wishlist items aren't necessarily ignored by developers, but they do in fact have to be prioritized as "nice to have" or "essential to system operation," or something in between.[6][7][8] While this reasonable mix of requirements has served informatics software developers well[9], sometimes a fresh approach is required.

What follows is an attempt to look less at the wishlists of laboratories and more directly at what requirements current regulatory schemes, industry standards, and organizational guidelines place on the ever-evolving array of laboratory informatics systems being developed today. What does the United States' 21 CFR Part 11 have to say about how your laboratory information management system (LIMS), laboratory information system (LIS), electronic laboratory notebook (ELN), and other systems operate? What does the European Union's Annex 11 dictate in those same regards? The following five chapters list those requirements, supported by one or more regulations, standards, and guidelines. The final chapter discusses how to best put this requirements specification to use.

Methodology

At its core, this LIMSpec—which has seen several iterations over the years—is rooted in ASTM E1578-18 Standard Guide for Laboratory Informatics. The latest version was released in 2018, which includes an updated Laboratory Informatics Functional Requirements checklist in the appendix. That list of requirements "covers functionality common to the various laboratory informatics systems discussed throughout [the] guide as well as requirements recommended as part of [the] guide." It goes on to state that the checklist "is an example of typical requirements that can be used to guide the purchase, upgrade, or development of a laboratory informatics system," though it is certainly "not meant to be exhaustive."

This LIMSpec borrows from that requirements checklist and then adds more to it from a wide variety of sources. An attempt has been made to find the most relevant regulations, standards, and guidance that shape how a compliant laboratory informatics system is developed and maintained. However, this should definitely be considered a work in progress, with more to be added with additional public and private comment on missing sources.

That said, this fourth revision (December 2022) taps into more than 130 resources, including the following:

Table 1. Regulations, standards, guidance, and other documents guiding LIMSpec development. * indicates added, updated, or revised for December 2022 update.
Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Familiar Name and/or Responsible Entity
5 CFR Part 930.301 Office of Personnel Management > Civil Service Regulations > Programs for Specific Positions and Examinations (Miscellaneous) > Information Security Responsibilities for Employees who Manage or Use Federal Information Systems > Information systems security awareness training program
7 CFR Part 91 Agricultural Marketing Service (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), Department of Agriculture > Commodity Laboratory Testing Programs > Services and General Information
7 CFR Part 331 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture > Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins
9 CFR Part 2 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture > Animal Welfare > Regulations
9 CFR Part 121 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture > Viruses, Serums, Toxins, and Analogous Products; Organisms and Vectors > Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins
10 CFR Part 20 Nuclear Regulatory Commission > Standards for Protection Against Radiation
10 CFR Part 30 Nuclear Regulatory Commission > Rules of General Applicability to Domestic Licensing of Byproduct Material
21 CFR Part 1* Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > General > General Enforcement Regulations
21 CFR Part 7 Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > General > Enforcement Policy
21 CFR Part 11 Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > General > Electronic Records; Electronic Signatures
21 CFR Part 58 Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > General > Good Laboratory Practice for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies
21 CFR Part 106* Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Food for Human Consumption > Infant Formula Requirements Pertaining to Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Quality Control Procedures, Quality Factors, Records and Reports, and Notifications
21 CFR Part 110* Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Food for Human Consumption > Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food
21 CFR Part 111* Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Food for Human Consumption > Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packaging, Labeling, or Holding Operations for Dietary Supplements
21 CFR Part 112* Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Food for Human Consumption > Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption
21 CFR Part 114* Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Food for Human Consumption > Acidified Foods
21 CFR Part 117* Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Food for Human Consumption > Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-based Preventive Controls for Human Food
21 CFR Part 120* Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Food for Human Consumption > Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems
21 CFR Part 123* Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Food for Human Consumption > Fish and Fishery Products
21 CFR Part 129* Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Food for Human Consumption > Processing and Bottling of Bottled Drinking Water
21 CFR Part 211 Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Drugs: General > Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals
21 CFR Part 212 Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Drugs: General > Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Positron Emission Tomography Drugs
21 CFR Part 225 Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Drugs: General > Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Medicated Feeds
21 CFR Part 226 Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Drugs: General > Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Type A Medicated Articles
21 CFR Part 312 Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Drugs for Human Use > Investigational New Drug Application
21 CFR Part 507* Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Animal Drugs, Feeds, and Related Products > Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals
21 CFR Part 606 Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Biologics > Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Blood and Blood Components
21 CFR Part 810 Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Medical Devices > Medical Device Recall Authority
21 CFR Part 812 Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Medical Devices > Investigational Device Exemptions
21 CFR Part 820 Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services > Medical Devices > Quality System Regulation
29 CFR Part 1910.120 Occupational Safety and Health Standards > Hazardous Materials > Hazardous waste operations and emergency response
29 CFR Part 1910.134 Occupational Safety and Health Standards > Personal Protective Equipment > Respiratory protection
29 CFR Part 1910.1030 Occupational Safety and Health Standards > Toxic and Hazardous Substances > Bloodborne pathogens
29 CFR Part 1910.1096 Occupational Safety and Health Standards > Toxic and Hazardous Substances > Ionizing radiation
29 CFR Part 1910.1200 Occupational Safety and Health Standards > Toxic and Hazardous Substances > Hazard communication
29 CFR Part 1910.1450 Occupational Safety and Health Standards > Toxic and Hazardous Substances > Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories
40 CFR Part 3 Environmental Protection Agency > General > Cross-media Electronic Reporting
40 CFR Part 60 Environmental Protection Agency > Air Programs > Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources
40 CFR Part 62 Environmental Protection Agency > Air Programs > Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants
40 CFR Part 63 Environmental Protection Agency > Air Programs > National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Source Categories
40 CFR Part 141 Environmental Protection Agency > Water Programs > National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
40 CFR Part 262 Environmental Protection Agency > Solid Wastes > Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste
40 CFR Part 370 Environmental Protection Agency > Superfund, Emergency Planning, and Community Right-to-know Programs > Hazardous Chemical Reporting: Community Right-to-know
40 CFR Part 372 Environmental Protection Agency > Superfund, Emergency Planning, and Community Right-to-know Programs > Toxic Chemical Release Reporting: Community Right-to-know
40 CFR Part 704 Environmental Protection Agency > Toxic Substances Control Act > Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements
40 CFR Part 717 Environmental Protection Agency > Toxic Substances Control Act > Records and Reports of Allegations that Chemical Substances Cause Significant Adverse Reactions to Health or the Environment
40 CFR Part 720 Environmental Protection Agency > Toxic Substances Control Act > Premanufacture Notification
42 CFR Part 73 Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services > Quarantine, Inspection, Licensing > Select Agents and Toxins
42 CFR Part 93 Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services > Health Assessments and Health Effects Studies of Hazardous Substances Releases and Facilities > Public Health Service Policies on Research Misconduct
42 CFR Part 493 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services > Standards and Certification > Laboratory Requirements
45 CFR Part 160 Department of Health and Human Services > Administrative Data Standards and Related Requirements > General Administrative Requirements
45 CFR Part 162 Department of Health and Human Services > Administrative Data Standards and Related Requirements > Administrative Requirements
45 CFR Part 164 Department of Health and Human Services > Administrative Data Standards and Related Requirements > Security and Privacy
45 CFR Part 170 Department of Health and Human Services > Health Information Technology > Health Information Technology Standards, Implementation Specifications, and Certification Criteria and Certification Programs for Health Information Technology
61 FR 38806* Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture > Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems
A2LA C211, Specific Checklist, Combined ISO/IEC 17025 and Veterinary Laboratory Accreditation Program American Association for Laboratory Accreditation
A2LA C223, Specific Checklist, Forensic Examination Accreditation Program-Testing American Association for Laboratory Accreditation
AAFCO QA/QC Guidelines for Feed Laboratories Association of American Feed Control Officials
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians
ABFT Accreditation Manual American Board of Forensic Toxicology
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
AIHA-LAP Policies 2022 American Industrial Hygiene Association Laboratory Accreditation Programs
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook Association of Public Health Laboratories
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board; note that ASCLD/LAB merged with ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) in 2016, and their requirements for Forensic Service Provider Accreditation are not made public. As such, this serves as a proxy for ANAB.
ASTM E1188-11 ASTM E1188-11(2017) Standard Practice for Collection and Preservation of Information and Physical Items by a Technical Investigator
ASTM E1459-13 ASTM E1459-13(2018) Standard Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation
ASTM E1492-11 ASTM E1492-11(2017) Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
ASTM E1578-18 ASTM E1578-18 Standard Guide for Laboratory Informatics
BRC GSFS, Issue 8* BRC Global Standards' Global Standard for Food Safety, Issue 8
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual College of American Pathologists
CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC PHIN Messaging System U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CJIS Security Policy Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services
CLSI AUTO15 Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
CLSI AUTO16 Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
CLSI QMS22 Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
Codex Alimentarius CXC 1-1969* Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' Codex Alimentarius CXC 1-1969 General Principles of Good Hygiene
Codex Alimentarius CXS 193-1995* Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' Codex Alimentarius CXS 193-1995 General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed
Codex Alimentarius CXS 234-1999* Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' Codex Alimentarius CXS 234-1999 Recommended Methods of Analysis and Sampling
DoD General Data Validation Guidelines U.S. Department of Defense
EMA Guidance on good manufacturing practice and good distribution practice E.U. European Medicines Agency
EPA 815-R-05-004 + supplements U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements v1.6 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Response Laboratory Network
EPA Metadata Technical Specification U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA QA/G-5 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans
EPA SEDD Specification and Data Element Dictionary v5.2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Staged Electronic Data Deliverable
E.U. Annex 11 European Union, European Commission
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC European Union, European Commission
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 852/2004* European Union, European Commission
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 2073/2005* European Union, European Commission
FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs Data Exchange (ORA DX) Program U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) U.S. Food and Drug Administration
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1* Global Food Safety Initiative Benchmarking Requirements Version 2020.1
ICAR 15 Data Exchange International Committee for Animal Recording
ICH GCP International Council for Harmonisation Good Clinical Practice
IFS Food 7* International Featured Standards' Food 7 Standard
IFS PACsecure 2* International Featured Standards' PACsecure 2 Standard
ISO 15189:2012 ISO 15189:2012 Medical laboratories — Requirements for quality and competence
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
ISO/TS 22002-1:2009* ISO/TS 22002-1:2009 Prerequisite programmes on food safety — Part 1: Food manufacturing
ISO/TS 22002-4:2013* ISO/TS 22002-4:2013 Prerequisite programmes on food safety — Part 4: Food packaging manufacturing
ISO/TS 22002-6:2016* ISO/TS 22002-6:2016 Prerequisite programmes on food safety — Part 6: Feed and animal food production
NAHLN HL7 Messaging Quick User Guide National Animal Health Laboratory Network
NAHLN Information Technology System National Animal Health Laboratory Network
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards New York State Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program
NYSDOH ELAP Medical Marijuana Microbiology Guidance New York State Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Approval Program
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5 National Institute of Standards and Technology
OECD GLP Principles Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Good Laboratory Practice
ONC United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
OSHA 1910.1020 Occupational Safety and Health Administration 1910.1020 - Access to employee exposure and medical records
OSHA 1910.1200 Occupational Safety and Health Administration 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication
OSHA 1910.1450 Occupational Safety and Health Administration 1910.1450 - Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual Partnership for Food Protection
Safe Food for Canadians Regulations SOR/2018-108* Government of Canada, Governor General of Canada
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing* FMI, The Food Industry Association, SQF Institute's Food Safety Code: Manufacture of Food Packaging, Ninth Edition
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing* FMI, The Food Industry Association, SQF Institute's Food Safety Code: Pet Food Manufacturing, Ninth Edition
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging* FMI, The Food Industry Association, SQF Institute's Food Safety Code: Manufacture of Food Packaging, Ninth Edition
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 The NELAC Institute Management and Technical Requirements for Laboratories Performing Environmental Analysis, Volume 1
USDA Administrative Procedures for the Pesticide Data Program (PDP) U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Data and Instrumentation for Pesticide Data Program U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Hemp Production Program Laboratory Testing Guidelines U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Laboratory Approval Service (LAS) Laboratory Approval Program (LAP) Policies and Procedures U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Sample Processing and Analysis Procedures for Pesticide Data Program U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Sampling Procedures for Pesticide Data Program U.S. Department of Agriculture
VeNom Coding Group terminology Veterinary Nomenclature
VTSL terminology Veterinary Terminology Services Laboratory at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
VICH GL53 Veterinary International Conference on Harmonization GL53 Electronic Exchange of Documents: Electronic File Format
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) World Anti-Doping Agency
WADA International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (ISPPPI) World Anti-Doping Agency
WHO Technical Report Series, #961, Annex 13 World Health Organization TRS, #961, Annex 13 Guidelines for preparing a laboratory information file
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2 World Health Organization TRS, #986, Annex 2 WHO good manufacturing practices for pharmaceutical products: main principles
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5 World Health Organization TRS, #996, Annex 5 Guidance on good data and record management practices

Each requirement statement has at least one linked regulation, standard, or guidance item. In some cases, the standards covered are proprietary. In those cases, the standard was either purchased for review or heavily researched using supporting documentation, and the link goes to the acquisition page for the standard. In other cases, some sources have been intentionally omitted. For example, the AOAC International Official Methods of Analysis and Guidelines for Laboratories Performing Microbiological and Chemical Analyses of Food, Dietary Supplements, and Pharmaceuticals are both proprietary and more or less prohibitively expensive. In other cases, such as with the U.S. Food Emergency Response Network and Laboratory Response Network, they simply don't make their standardized procedures open to the public and thus can't be included.



A2. Primary laboratory workflow

Note: These categories cover what ASTM E1578-18 considers to be the core of your typical laboratory workflow, from sample/specimen receipt and sampling procedures, to analysis, review, and reporting.

1. Sample and experiment registration

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

21 CFR Part 1.1149
42 CFR Part 493.1241
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-1

1.1 The system should allow for sample registration prior to (e.g., preregistration) or after (e.g., registration) physical sample collection.

21 CFR Part 58.105 (c)
21 CFR Part 211.84
21 CFR Part 211.101
21 CFR Part 226.80
21 CFR Part 606.120 (b)
21 CFR Part 606.121 (c–i)
21 CFR Part 606.140 (c)
29 CFR Part 1910.1030 (g)
29 CFR Part 1910.1096 (e1-6)
42 CFR Part 493.1232
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. D
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
ASTM E1492-11 4.1.1.6
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-2
CLSI QMS22 2.2.1.2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.2.2
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.3
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 15
OECD GLP Principles 6.1
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.8.6)
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 6.4.1.2.6
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 17.11

1.2 The system should allow for creation and use of pre-configured (e.g., for basic clinical samples) and customizable (e.g., for regulated activities such as blood collection and storage) sample labels, with barcode support.
45 CFR Part 162.410
CJIS Security Policy 5.6.1
1.3 The system shall provide a means to assign unique identifiers such as a National Provider Identifier (NPI) or Originating Agency Identifier (ORI) to the enacting entity and any subcontracted entity. The unique identifier should be able to appear on necessary records, documents, and reports referencing those entities.
42 CFR Part 493.1241
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-3
1.4 The system should provide a means for automatically registering samples in the system using any number of triggers such as dates, times, web requests, and intra-system methods like APIs and web services.

7 CFR Part 91.19
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (a–b)
40 CFR Part 262.18
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C2.1
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-4
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 6.4.1.1.3

1.5 The system should permit unique metadata like lot number, patient number, family identifier, client or patient demographics, sampling point, random selection process used, and industry-specific items (like EPA identification number or U.S. Customs and Border Protection number) to be included during registration.
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-5 1.6 The system shall allow for the addition, modification, and removal of new, pre-defined, and custom analytical tests.
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-6 1.7 The system should offer safety information related to a submitted sample upon registration that is relevant to the lab's location and industry.
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-7 1.8 The system should support the creation and use of predefined metadata templates, as well as ad-hoc, single, and multiple samples.

7 CFR Part 91.19
7 CFR Part 331.17
9 CFR Part 121.17
21 CFR Part 1.1149
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (a–b)
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (d)
21 CFR Part 58.105 (c)
21 CFR Part 58.195
21 CFR Part 129.80 (g)
21 CFR Part 211.84
21 CFR Part 211.170
21 CFR Part 211.194
21 CFR Part 312.57 (d)
40 CFR Part 141.33
42 CFR Part 73.17
42 CFR Part 493.1105
42 CFR Part 493.1241
42 CFR Part 493.1242
42 CFR Part 493.1274 (f)
42 CFR Part 493.1283
AAFCO QA/QC Guidelines for Feed Laboratories Sec. 2.2–3
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.7.1.2
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. D
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C2
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-8
CLSI QMS22 2.2.1.3
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 6 and 8
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. VI, Sec. 8
EPA 815-R-05-004 Supplement 1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.4.10–11
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.7.1–6
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.2 and 2.2.3
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 11.4
ISO 15189:2012 5.7.2
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.3.3
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
OECD GLP Principles 6.1
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.8.6)
USDA Sample Processing and Analysis Procedures for PDP 5.1 and 5.1.13
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 5.1
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 17.11 and 17.21

1.9 The system shall be able to define the collection and sampling details for registered samples or specimens, including container size and type, number of containers, collection date and time, temperature, name of the collector, lot number, storage location, preservation method, collection methods used (standard and nonstandard), sampling methods used, safety concerns, and retention period.

ASTM E1578-18 C-1-9
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories G1.4
CLSI QMS22 2.2.1.3
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.2.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.4.5

1.10 The system should allow for the addition of observations and descriptions to registered samples in the form of free text.
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-10 1.11 The system should support the creation of user-definable default sample registration preferences and/or input screens.

21 CFR Part 1.1149
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-11
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.8.7)
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.3.2

1.12 The system should allow for the recording of sample delivery details such as deliverer, location, and date and time for a preregistered sample.

21 CFR Part 1.1152 (d)
21 CFR Part 58.107 (c)
21 CFR Part 211.194
42 CFR Part 493.1241
42 CFR Part 493.1274
42 CFR Part 493.1283
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.8.2
ABFT Accreditation Manual D-3
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-12
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.2.2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.1.11
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.4.10
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.3
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 15
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.4.2
OECD GLP Principles 6.2
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.8.5)
USDA Sample Processing and Analysis Procedures for PDP 5.1.11
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 6.4.1.2.5
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.3.2
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 17.11

1.13 The system shall assign each sample registered in the system a unique identifier using methodologies such as an ID with an incrementing integer or a user-defined naming format.

7 CFR Part 331.17
9 CFR Part 121.17
21 CFR Part 58.107 (d)
21 CFR Part 211.194
42 CFR Part 73.17
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-13
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CLSI QMS22 2.2.1.3
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.4.7
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.3
OECD GLP Principles 6.1
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.8.3)

1.14 The system shall provide a user-friendly means for tracking and acknowledging the physical reception of submitted sample or specimen material in the laboratory, including date and time of reception.

21 CFR Part 1.1149
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-14
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.4.6

1.15 The system shall allow for the comparison of received samples to the sampling requirements of the customer or laboratory in order to identify variances from those requirements.

ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C3.3
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.8.3
ASTM E1492-11 4.1.1.5
ASTM E1492-11 4.1.6
ASTM E1492-11 4.3.3.2
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-15
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CLSI QMS22 2.2.1.3
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.4.13
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.8
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.4.3
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.8.7.2)
USDA Sample Processing and Analysis Procedures for PDP 5.1.3–7
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 6.4.1.1.9
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.3.2 and 5.3.3.1

1.16 The system should provide a means to document any undesirable or unexpected characteristics of a submitted sample.

21 CFR Part 1.1149
A2LA C211 5.7
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-16
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.2 and 2.2.3

1.17 The system should provide a means to document sample preparation activities for a given sample.

7 CFR Part 331.11
7 CFR Part 331.17
9 CFR Part 121.11
9 CFR Part 121.17
21 CFR Part 1.1149
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (d)
42 CFR Part 73.11
42 CFR Part 73.17
42 CFR Part 493.1274
A2LA C223 4.13
A2LA C223 5.8
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. D-9–10
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.8.1.1
ASTM E1492-11 (throughout)
ASTM E1578-18 C-1-17
CLSI QMS22 2.2.3.5
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. III, Sec. 12
EPA 815-R-05-004 Appendix A
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.2.3–5
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.1.13
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.4.8–9
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.3
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, I, K - FSM 14.1.1
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, D - FSM 14.1.2
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, I - FSM 14.1.3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-10(3)
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.6.2
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.6.2
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.6.2
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.8.7.5 and 5.8.8)
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) (throughout)

1.18 The system shall have the ability to maintain the chain of custody of every sample, meaning the recording of every single sample distribution step to personnel—including details such as unique identifier, name, location, date, and time—while the sample is in the laboratory’s possession.
7 CFR Part 331.16
9 CFR Part 121.16
42 CFR Part 73.16
1.19 In the case of regulated samples (e.g., select agent or toxin, cannabis, etc.), the system shall also allow for the recording of transfers to other entities outside the laboratory, including details such as personnel involved, their certification numbers (if applicable), dates, times, and any other required information.
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories G1.1
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
1.20 The system shall be able to link various records together based on a record's metadata, including sample or specimen identifier, patient number, or family identifier.

2. Sample management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

ASTM E1578-18 C-2-1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.14
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.6.2
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.6.2
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.6.2

2.1 The system shall record and maintain the chain of custody for the laboratory's standards and reagents.
ASTM E1578-18 C-2-2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.14
2.2 The system shall record the current and historical storage location for the laboratory's standards and reagents.
ASTM E1578-18 C-2-3
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.14
2.3 The system shall allow the laboratory's previously standardized standards and reagents to be assigned a new standard value.
ASTM E1578-18 C-2-4
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.14
2.4 The system shall require the recording of a standard and reagent's first opening date.
ASTM E1578-18 C-2-5
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.14
2.5 The system shall allow only active standards and reagents to be shown as available for use.
ASTM E1578-18 C-2-6
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.14
2.6 The system shall allow standards and reagents to be flagged as no longer available for use by authorized personnel.
ASTM E1578-18 C-2-7 2.7 The system shall allow logically associated samples or specimens to be grouped together based on associated metadata such as type, test method, assigned user, and status.
ASTM E1578-18 C-2-8
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.2
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.4.2
2.8 The system should allow for the accurate identification of a physical sample or specimen in the system via barcode or RFID technology.

7 CFR Part 331.17
9 CFR Part 121.17
21 CFR Part 211.84
42 CFR Part 73.17
ASTM E1492-11 4.2.1
ASTM E1578-18 C-2-9
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual

2.9 The system should provide a means to manually or automatically track sample or specimen inventory amounts and status.

21 CFR Part 1.1152 (d)
A2LA C211 5.4
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.9.1.1
ASTM E1578-18 C-2-10

2.10 The system shall be able to link test methods and specifications to standards and reagents.

21 CFR Part 1.1138
21 CFR Part 1.1150
21 CFR Part 1.1153 (c)
21 CFR Part 111.315
21 CFR Part 129.80 (g)
21 CFR Part 211.84
21 CFR Part 211.166–7
21 CFR Part 211.194 (e)
21 CFR Part 212.40 (c)
21 CFR Part 212.61
21 CFR Part 212.70 (e)
21 CFR Part 225.58
21 CFR Part 226.58
21 CFR Part 606.65 (c)
21 CFR Part 606.151
A2LA C223 5.9
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C6.2
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C10–12
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
ASTM E1578-18 C-2-11
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.1.2.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.3.2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.3.2
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.5
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.7.2
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
NYSDOH ELAP Medical Marijuana Microbiology Guidance
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M1 1.1)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 8.5
USDA Hemp Production Program Laboratory Testing Guidelines, Testing Remediated Hemp Samples 2
USDA LAS Laboratory Approval Program (LAP) Policies and Procedures 12.4h
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.3.7
WHO Technical Report Series, #961, Annex 13, 12.1
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 17.7
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 17.22–25

2.11 The system shall allow samples, specimens, and tests to be created and used specifically for capturing data related to unique forms of sampling and testing such as representative sampling, calibration testing, quality control testing, preventative maintenance testing, stability testing, sterility testing, remediated testing, compatibility testing, identity testing, proficiency testing, and service-event-related testing.
FDA Q1A(R2) 2.12 The system should allow authorized users to create projects and research studies in the system—including, e.g., stability studies—and associate samples, tests, and metadata such as recommended storage conditions, test frequencies, and container types with the project or study.

3. Core laboratory testing and experiments

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

21 CFR Part 111.315
21 CFR Part 211.84 (d)
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.1.3.1
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-1
CLSI QMS22 2.2.2.1
ISO 15189:2012 5.3.2.7
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.7

3.1 The system shall be able to record the identity of any standards and reagents used in laboratory testing, as well as for each sample or test during result entry. Linked to their identity should also be manufacturer and supplier information (such as certificates of testing); lot numbers; reception, preparation, and expiry dates; name of preparer; reliability testing results; and approval for use.

21 CFR Part 211.84 (e)
42 CFR Part 493.1252 (d)
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-2
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.7

3.2 The system shall allow users to only select approved, non-expired standards and reagents for tests and experiments.
42 CFR Part 493.1252 (d)
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-3
3.3 The system shall prevent standards, reagents, and other media from being used in testing if they would expire during the testing.
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-4 3.4 The system shall be able to check physical, control, and specification limits for an instrument sample.
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-6 3.5 The system should allow result entry for all tests linked to a single sample, as well as for multiple samples linked to a single test.
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-7 3.6 The system should allow user-definable result entry methods, e.g., uploading from a spreadsheet.
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-8 3.7 The system should allow outsourced samples to be tracked for aliquoting, chain-of-custody, results entry, and approval purposes.
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-9 3.8 The system shall allow the creation and assignment of retest workflow, while allowing the system or assigned user to determine the existence of a retesting due date and whether or not a new sample is required for the retest.
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-10 3.9 The system shall support, at a minimum, the floating point/real number, integer number, text, date, list, file, calculated, Boolean, and interval test result data types, allowing users to define the data type for specific test results.
AIHA-LAP Policies 2022 2A.7.8.2
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-11
3.10 The system shall allow users to enter operators such as <, >, +, and - with numeric test results.
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-12 3.11 The system should allow inter- and intra-assay calculations to be performed, including the use of advanced math functions.
42 CFR Part 493.1241
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-13
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.11
3.12 The system should effectively alert users upon entry of out-of-specification test results.

21 CFR Part 1.1150
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (a–b)
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (d)
21 CFR Part 1.1153 (c)
21 CFR Part 106.100 (c–f)
21 CFR Part 111.110
21 CFR Part 111.325
21 CFR Part 112.161
21 CFR Part 114.100 (a)
21 CFR Part 129.80 (g)
21 CFR Part 211.194
21 CFR Part 212.60 (g)
21 CFR Part 507.202
21 CFR Part 606.160
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories G16.1
A2LA C223 5.10 ASTM E1578-18 C-3-14
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.1.2
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 9.3.1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 9.3.5
CLSI QMS22 2.1.2
CLSI QMS22 2.2.2.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.1.2.3–4
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.3.4
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.8.1–4
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.16
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 852/2004 Annex I, Section II.4.i
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 852/2004 Annex I, Section III.8.d
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 852/2004 Annex I, Section III.9.c
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 4.18.3
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 4.18.3
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.4.6
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.4.6
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.4.4.6
USDA Data and Instrumentation for PDP 5.4.2
USDA Data and Instrumentation for PDP 8.1.3
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.8

3.13 The system shall be able to record a complete record of all data created in the course of a test or experiment, including instruments used, calculations performed, and associated graphs, charts, and spectra. The record should also be able to capture the signatures of those who performed the test or experiment, as well as those who reviewed the record for compliance purposes.
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 1.2 3.14 The system shall allow users to link samples, specimens, and tests to a specific accreditation approval status (e.g., World Anti-Doping Agency accreditation) so as to ensure that only the appropriate accreditation labels are included on resulting test reports and related documentation.

4. Results review and verification

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

21 CFR Part 211.68 (b)
42 CFR Part 493.1241
ASTM E1578-18 C-4-1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.2.4
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CLSI QMS22 2.2.1.2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.11
EPA QA/G-5 2.4.1
ISO 15189:2012 5.5.1.4
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, Appendix 1

4.1 The system shall allow for the verification of specification limits for accuracy or tolerances while indicating to the user when values are exceeded.

ASTM E1578-18 C-4-2
CLSI AUTO15 1.2 EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.11
EPA QA/G-5 2.4.1
ISO 15189:2012 5.9.2
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards

4.2 The system shall have the capability of automatically authorizing verification check tests and samples if they are within specification limits set by the instruments used to perform the tests.

21 CFR Part 211.68
21 CFR Part 211.100
21 CFR Part 211.160 (a)
21 CFR Part 211.188
21 CFR Part 211.194
45 CFR Part 170.315 (d)
ASTM E1578-18 C-4-3
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CJIS Security Policy 5.4.1.1
CLSI QMS22 2.2.2.2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.1 and 4.9.7
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 9.2
ICH GCP 4.9.0 and 4.9.3
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 4.13.2.3)
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.3.5
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.7 and 15.9
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 4.12

4.3 The system shall accurately maintain a full audit trail for modified results.

21 CFR Part 1.1152 (c)
21 CFR Part 111.110
21 CFR Part 211.68 (b)
A2LA C211 5.9.1
A2LA C223 4.13
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. E-28–29
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories G15.1
AIHA-LAP Policies 2022 2A.7.7.2 and 7.7.3
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 4.13.2.12
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.9.4–5
ASTM E1578-18 C-4-4
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.2.4
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CLSI QMS22 2.2.2.2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.2.6
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.2–3 and 4.9.11
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.4
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.10
EPA QA/G-5 2.4.1
E.U. Annex 11-6
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.6.4
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.6.4
ISO 15189:2012 5.7.1
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.2.6
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.7.1
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.8.1.1
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-10(3)
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
USDA Data and Instrumentation for PDP 10
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.3.8.1
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 11.9 and Appendix 1

4.4 The system shall provide one or more levels of review, as well as interpretation and documentation of results—whether entered manually or via an automated process—before release.

ASTM E1578-18 C-4-5
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.2.4
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.2.5
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.11
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.10
EPA QA/G-5 2.4.1
E.U. Annex 11-6
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.6.4
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.6.4
ISO 15189:2012 5.9.2
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, Appendix 1

4.5 The system shall identify out-of-range results and clearly alert the appropriate individuals for further evaluation of the results.

ASTM E1578-18 C-4-6
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.10
EPA QA/G-5 2.4.1
E.U. Annex 11-6

4.6 The system shall allow for the comparison of entered results with pre-defined specification limits from master data, clearly alerting the user when the results exceed those specification limits.
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CLSI AUTO15 4.0
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
4.7 The system's autoverification system should be able to be validated and have a rapid means to automatically or manually shut it down in the event of a problem or the need for manual changes being made to the autoverification system. The autoverification should be able to be revalidated afterwards.

5. Sample, experiment, and study approval and verification

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

ASTM E1578-18 C-5-1
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CLSI QMS22 2.2.3.5
USDA Sample Processing and Analysis Procedures for PDP 5.9–10
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.3.12.1

5.1 The system shall accurately record all details of a sample's final disposition, including, when applicable, storage container type and ID, disposal method, disposal location, person responsible for disposition, etc.

AIHA-LAP Policies 2022 2A.7.7.2
ASTM E1578-18 C-5-2
CLSI QMS22 2.2.2.2
EMA Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 4.12

5.2 The system should allow authorized personnel to view relevant metadata for results during the review and approval process, including the instruments and reagents used, raw data from instruments, and associated reports.
21 CFR Part 211.160 (b)
ASTM E1578-18 C-5-3
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 6.1
5.3 The system should provide appropriate functions for specific sample statuses like "approved," "rejected," and "cancelled," including the ability to handle re-test, re-sampling, re-calculation, out-of-specification response and notification, and disposition functions.

6. Reporting

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
ASTM E1578-18 C-6-1 6.1 The system shall be able to store files in an electronic format and link them to standards, reagents, and samples tested.
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.4
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.1.4
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.12–15
6.2 The system shall be able to export data in a computer-readable (importable into a relational database) format—such as an unformatted spreadsheet, comma-separated value (CSV) file, or extensible markup language (XML) file—as well as PDF format, for reporting purposes.

42 CFR Part 493.1291 (g) and (h)
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories F7.2
ASTM E1578-18 C-6-2
CLSI QMS22 2.1.2.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.4
EPA QA/G-5 2.4.2
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards

6.3 The system shall alert stakeholders in advance to cases when the analyzed sample may be out-of-specification or may not meet expected turnaround time requirements.
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. G-2 6.4 The system shall allow an authorized individual to report final results in a semi-quantitative manner (e.g., "less than X mg/L") when doing so would provide relevant information to the report recipient.

7 CFR Part 91.25
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (d)
40 CFR Part 141.33
42 CFR Part 493.1291 (c–e)
AAFCO QA/QC Guidelines for Feed Laboratories Sec. 2
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.4.2.1
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.10.2–5
AIHA-LAP Policies 2022 2A.7.8.1
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. E-12 and -32
ASTM E1578-18 C-6-3
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 6.6 and 8
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. VI, Sec. 8
ISO 15189:2012 4.5.2
ISO 15189:2012 5.8.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.5.1
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.8.1.1
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.8.2.1
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.8.3.1
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
USDA LAS Laboratory Approval Program (LAP) Policies and Procedures 12.4d
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.43

6.5 The system shall substantiate the status of verified results by using tools like a certificate of analysis, which shall include details like unique identifiers; analysis procedures used; reference intervals; environmental conditions; who provided the results; additional comments, opinions, and interpretations and who provided them; and applicable times and dates.
7 CFR Part 91.26–27
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (d)
ASTM E1578-18 C-6-4
6.6 The system shall allow a certificate of analysis to be generated upon the verification and approval of results and associated metadata by authorized personnel.

A2LA C211 5.10
ASTM E1578-18 C-6-5
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.1.2
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 9.3.5
CLSI QMS22 2.2.3
ISO 15189:2012 5.8.1
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.10)
USDA Hemp Production Program Laboratory Testing Guidelines, Information Sharing 3
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.3.8.4

6.7 The system shall provide the ability to clearly and accurately generate reports for a variety of standard situations, including certificates of analysis from testing, patient results, pending samples for approval, out-of-specification samples and tests, instruments pending calibration, expired reagents to be disposed, and trend charts of laboratory performance.

7 CFR Part 331.5
9 CFR Part 121.5–6
21 CFR Part 1.1110
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (a–b)
21 CFR Part 58.185
21 CFR Part 312.64
21 CFR Part 812.150
40 CFR Part 141.31
40 CFR Part 141.721
40 CFR Part 370 Subpart C
40 CFR Part 372 Subpart B
40 CFR Part 704
40 CFR Part 717 Subpart A
40 CFR Part 720.40
42 CFR Part 73.5–6
42 CFR Part 493.43 (d)
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. E-7
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C13.3
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories E8
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories G17.1
ASTM E1578-18 C-6-7
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CJIS Security Policy 5.3.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.12–15
EPA QA/G-5 2.3.2
IFS Food 7, Part 4, 2.x
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 4, 1.x
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IR-6 and IR-6(1)
OECD GLP Principles 9.1
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (throughout)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP (throughout)
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.3.8.4

6.8 The system should, in addition to standard reports, provide the means for custom automatic and manual reporting, including but not limited to sample registration reports, work and backlog lists, laboratory performance reports, instrument reports, statistical analysis reports, analytical worksheets, regulatory reports, incident reports, chain of custody reports, quality assurance reports, service reports, inventory analysis reports, and investigator/sponsor reports.

7 CFR Part 91.28
21 CFR Part 1.1154 (c)
21 CFR Part 58 Sec. 58.185 (c)
A2LA C211 5.10.9
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.10.9–10
CLSI QMS22 2.2.3.4
ICH GCP 4.9.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.8.8
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
OECD GLP Principles 9.1
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.10.9)

6.9 The system shall clearly identify a changed, amended, or re-issued report as being such, and clearly identify any change of information and reason for change in such a report.


A3. Maintaining laboratory workflow and operations

Note: These categories cover what ASTM E1578-18 considers to be the extended functions that support the previously described core laboratory workflow, from scheduling, batch/lot management, and instrument management to standard/reagent management and investigation management.

7. Document and records management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

7 CFR Part 331 (throughout)
9 CFR Part 121 (throughout)
10 CFR Part 20 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 7 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 117 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 58 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 211 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 212 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 225 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 226 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 312 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 606 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 810 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 812 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 820 (throughout)
29 CFR Part 1910.134 (throughout)
29 CFR Part 1910.1030 (throughout)
29 CFR Part 1910.1200 (throughout)
29 CFR Part 1910.1450 (throughout)
40 CFR Part 262.213–14
42 CFR Part 73 (throughout)
42 CFR Part 493.1200
42 CFR Part 493.1232
42 CFR Part 493.1239
42 CFR Part 493.1251
42 CFR Part 493.1291 (j)
45 CFR Part 164 (throughout)
61 FR 38806 (throughout)
A2LA C211 4.3
A2LA C223 4.13
AAFCO QA/QC Guidelines for Feed Laboratories (throughout)
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL (throughout)
ABFT Accreditation Manual (throughout)
ASTM E1188-11 3.5.2
ASTM E1492-11 4.3.3.3 and 4.4.4
ASTM E1578-18 D-1-1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.1.1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.2.1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.1.1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.2.2
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.2.4
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual (throughout)
CJIS Security Policy (throughout)
EMA Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice (throughout)
EPA 815-R-05-004 (throughout)
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements (throughout)
EPA QA/G-5 (throughout)
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC (throughout)
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (throughout)
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM (throughout)
IFS Food 7, Part 2 (throughout)
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2 (throughout)
ISO 15189:2012 4.3
ISO 15189:2012 5.5.3
ISO 15189:2012 5.9.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 5.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 5.5
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 8.3.2
ISO/TS 22002-1:2009 (throughout)
ISO/TS 22002-4:2013 (throughout)
ISO/TS 22002-6:2016 (throughout)
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
NYSDOH ELAP Medical Marijuana Microbiology Guidance
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5 (throughout)
OECD GLP Principles 8
OSHA 1910.1200(b)(3)
OSHA 1910.1450(e) and (h)
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
Safe Food for Canadians Regulations SOR/2018-108 (throughout)
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B (throughout)
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B (throughout)
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B (throughout)
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (throughout)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP (throughout)
USDA Data and Instrumentation for PDP (throughout)
USDA Sample Processing and Analysis Procedures for PDP (throughout)
WHO Technical Report Series, #961, Annex 13 (throughout)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2 (throughout)
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5 (throughout)

7.1 The system shall be capable of creating, managing, and securely holding a variety of document types, while also allowing for the review and approval of those documents using version and release controls.

7 CFR Part 331 (throughout)
9 CFR Part 121 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (c)
21 CFR Part 7 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 58 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 117 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 211 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 212 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 225 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 226 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 312 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 606 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 810 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 812 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 820 (throughout)
29 CFR Part 1910.134 (c)
29 CFR Part 1910.1030 (throughout)
29 CFR Part 1910.1200 (e)
29 CFR Part 1910.1450 (throughout)
40 CFR Part 262.214
42 CFR Part 73 (throughout)
42 CFR Part 93.300–5
42 CFR Part 493.1200
42 CFR Part 493.1232
42 CFR Part 493.1239
42 CFR Part 493.1251
42 CFR Part 493.1291 (j)
42 CFR Part 493.1773 (c–d)
45 CFR Part 160.310
45 CFR Part 164 (throughout)
61 FR 38806 (throughout)
A2LA C211 (throughout)
A2LA C223 (throughout)
AAFCO QA/QC Guidelines for Feed Laboratories (throughout)
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL (throughout)
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories (throughout)
AIHA-LAP Policies 2022 Appendix H5.8
ASTM E1188-11 3.5.2
ASTM E1492-11 4.3.3.3 and 4.4.4
ASTM E1578-18 D-1-2
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.1.2
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.3.1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.2.2
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.2.4
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual (throughout)
CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th Edition (throughout)
CJIS Security Policy (throughout)
CLSI QMS22 (throughout)
EPA 815-R-05-004 (throughout)
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements (throughout)
EPA QA/G-5 (throughout)
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC (throughout)
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (throughout)
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM (throughout)
IFS Food 7, Part 2 (throughout)
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2 (throughout)
ISO 15189:2012 (throughout)
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (throughout)
ISO/TS 22002-1:2009 (throughout)
ISO/TS 22002-4:2013 (throughout)
ISO/TS 22002-6:2016 (throughout)
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
NYSDOH ELAP Medical Marijuana Microbiology Guidance
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5 (throughout)
OECD GLP Principles 8
OSHA 1910.1020 (throughout)
OSHA 1910.1200(b)(3)
OSHA 1910.1450(h)
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
Safe Food for Canadians Regulations SOR/2018-108 (throughout)
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B (throughout)
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B (throughout)
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B (throughout)
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (throughout)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP (throughout)
USDA Data and Instrumentation for PDP (throughout)
USDA Hemp Production Program Laboratory Testing Guidelines (throughout)
USDA LAS Laboratory Approval Program (LAP) Policies and Procedures 12.3
USDA Sample Processing and Analysis Procedures for PDP (throughout)
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) (throughout)
WADA International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (ISPPPI) (throughout)
WHO Technical Report Series, #961, Annex 13 (throughout)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2 (throughout)
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5 (throughout)

7.2 The system shall have the ability to readily provide authorized access to electronic documents such as standard operating procedures, quality manuals, laboratory management plans, instrument manuals, employee medical records, material safety data sheets, information exchange agreements, confidentiality agreements, and other applicable documents to designated personnel and officials.

21 CFR Part 1.1154 (c)
21 CFR Part 820.40 (a)
42 CFR Part 493.1251 (e)
A2LA C211 4.3
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 4.3
ASTM E1578-18 D-1-3
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.2.1
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. III, Sec. 11
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.2.4.2
EPA QA/G-5 2.1.9
ISO 15189:2012 4.3
ISO 15189:2012 5.5.3
ISO 15189:2012 5.9.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.5.2
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 8.3.2
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.5
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.5

7.3 The system shall be able to clearly provide the most current version of a document and archive prior versions.
ASTM E1578-18 D-1-4 7.4 The system shall allow an applicable standard operating procedure revision to be linked with a test performed using that revision.

21 CFR Part 1.1138
21 CFR Part 1.1151
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (e)
21 CFR Part 106.91 (c)
21 CFR Part 111.110
21 CFR Part 111.315
21 CFR Part 111.320
21 CFR Part 129.80 (g)
21 CFR Part 211.160
21 CFR Part 212.20 (c)
21 CFR Part 212.60 (c)
21 CFR Part 226.58 (e)
21 CFR Part 820.250 (b)
42 CFR Part 493.43 (c)
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 310.25
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 381.94
ASTM E1578-18 D-1-5
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.1.1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.2.4
Codex Alimentarius CXC 1-1969, Ch.1, 7.2.3
Codex Alimentarius CXS 193-1995, Ch.1, 1.3.3
Codex Alimentarius CXS 234-1999 (throughout)
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 5
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 2073/2005 Article 5
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 19.1
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.5.2
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.6.2
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.5.2
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.6.2
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.5
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.2.1.3
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
NYSDOH ELAP Medical Marijuana Microbiology Guidance
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.4
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.4
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.4.4
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.4)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 8.4
USDA Hemp Production Program Laboratory Testing Guidelines, Summary of Practice 1.2
USDA Hemp Production Program Laboratory Testing Guidelines, Testing Methods 3
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 4.2.1
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.14

7.5 The system shall allow the creation, approval, rejection, and management of sampling and test methods performed at the laboratory, capturing details about the test method, method reference, specifications, assigned limits, holding times, etc. as required by a reference method or regulation.

21 CFR Part 1.1138
21 CFR Part 1.1151
21 CFR Part 111.110
21 CFR Part 111.320
21 CFR Part 212.20 (c)
21 CFR Part 212.70 (b)
A2LA C211 5.4.5
A2LA C223 5.4
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.4.2.4
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. G-12, -14, and -15
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C10
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories F7.3
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.4.5.4
Codex Alimentarius CXS 193-1995, Ch.1, 1.3.3
Codex Alimentarius CXS 234-1999 (throughout)
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.4
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 2073/2005 Article 5
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 19.1
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.2.6
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.2.2.1
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.2.2.4
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
NYSDOH ELAP Medical Marijuana Microbiology Guidance
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 4.13.2.3)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 8.4
USDA LAS Laboratory Approval Program (LAP) Policies and Procedures 12.4b
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 4.2.1 and 5.3.6
WHO Technical Report Series, #961, Annex 13, 10.1
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 4.11
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.13

7.6 The system shall provide a means for recording validation information for modified existing or new in-house test methods, either as a method itself or through some other means. Validation information such as procedures used, specifications, performance characteristics, and results obtained shall be allowed as input.

7 CFR Part 331.10
7 CFR Part 331.15
9 CFR Part 2.32
9 CFR Part 121.10
9 CFR Part 121.15
10 CFR Part 30.34 (j-3)
21 CFR Part 1.1150
21 CFR Part 11.10 (i)
21 CFR Part 58.29
21 CFR Part 211.25
21 CFR Part 225.10
21 CFR Part 226.10
21 CFR Part 226.40
21 CFR Part 820.25
29 CFR Part 1910.134 (c)
29 CFR Part 1910.1030 (g-2)
29 CFR Part 1910.1030 (h-2)
29 CFR Part 1910.1200 (h)
29 CFR Part 1910.1450 (f)
40 CFR Part 262.207
40 CFR Part 262.210–12
42 CFR Part 73.10
42 CFR Part 73.15
42 CFR Part 493.43 (c)
42 CFR Part 493.1235
42 CFR Part 493.1251
45 CFR Part 164.308
45 CFR Part 164.530
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 417.5
A2LA C211 5.2
A2LA C223 5.2
A2LA C223 5.7
AAFCO QA/QC Guidelines for Feed Laboratories Sec. 1.4 and 1.6
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.2
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.4.2.2
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Appendix 1
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. B
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories B3–B5
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C6.4
AIHA-LAP Policies 2022 (throughout)
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 4.13.2.12
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.2.1.1–3
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-5
ASTM E1578-18 D-1-6
ASTM E1578-18 E-1-6
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.2.3–4
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 7.1.x
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 9.3.4
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th Edition
CLSI QMS22 (throughout)
E.U. Annex 11-2
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 7.4
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. III, Sec. 10 and 17
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 1
EPA QA/G-5 2.1.8
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2 - GAP 7.1
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - GMP 7
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 3.1
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 3.3
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 3.1
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 3.3
ISO 15189:2012 4.1.2.1
ISO 15189:2012 5.1.6
ISO 15189:2012 5.1.9
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.2.2
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.2.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.2.5
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.2.6
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
NYSDOH ELAP Medical Marijuana Microbiology Guidance
OECD GLP Principles 1.1.2
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.9
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.9
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.9
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 4.13.3)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 6.1
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.2

7.7 The system shall maintain training and certification records for personnel and allow the assignment of available training paths and certifications to specific personnel, such that only trained, certified, and experienced personnel are able to perform assigned tasks.
ASTM E1578-18 D-1-7 7.8 The system shall allow individual modules and sections of the system (e.g., tables, forms) to be linked to one or more documents stored in the system.
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 4.3.4 and 4.3.5
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.10.6
7.9 The system shall support the addition of accurate cross-references and page numbers to new documents.
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 4.3.4
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 8.3.2
7.10 The system shall be capable of uniquely identifying documents created in and added to the system.
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
7.11 The system shall provide both standard and 'ad hoc' means to query or search for documents, records, and other types of data and information in the system.

8. Resource management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

9 CFR Part 2.32
10 CFR Part 20.2103
21 CFR Part 1.1150
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (c)
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (d)
21 CFR Part 110.10 (c)
21 CFR Part 120.12
21 CFR Part 123.10
29 CFR Part 1910.120
29 CFR Part 1910.134 (m)
29 CFR Part 1910.1030 (h-1)
29 CFR Part 1910.1450 (j)
40 CFR Part 262.207
A2LA C211 4.13.2.3
A2LA C223 5.2
A2LA C223 5.7
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories B3–B5
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 7.1.x
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 7.3.1
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CJIS Security Policy 5.2.3
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.2.4.1
EPA QA/G-5 2.1.8
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2 - GAP 7.1
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - GMP 7
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 3.1
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 3.3
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 3.1
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 3.3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AT-3 and -4
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
OSHA 1910.1020 (throughout)
OSHA 1910.1200(b)(3) and (h)
OSHA 1910.1450 (throughout)
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.9
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.9
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.9
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.2)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 6.1
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 6.1.2.8 and 6.1.3
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.2
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 8.1

8.1 The system shall have the ability to create and maintain individual personnel records for tracking such things as demographics, certifications, training, evaluations, medical history, and occupational exposure.

21 CFR Part 820.198
42 CFR Part 493.1233
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.10.1–2
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 13
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 21
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.8
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.8
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.9
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 4.8)
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.3.10
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 2.1 (j)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 5.0

8.2 The system shall allow authorized personnel to document complaints and problems reported to the laboratory or production facility.

5 CFR Part 930.301
7 CFR Part 331.15
9 CFR Part 121.15
21 CFR Part 120.12
21 CFR Part 123.10
21 CFR Part 211.25
29 CFR Part 1910.1450 (f)
42 CFR Part 73.15
A2LA C223 5.2
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.9.3.3
ASTM E1578-18 E-1-1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 7.1.x
CJIS Security Policy 5.2.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.2.4.1
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Guidelines
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2 - GAP 7.1
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - GMP 7
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 3.3
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 3.3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AT-2 and AT-3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, CP-3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IR-2
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.9
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.9
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.9
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.2)
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 6.1.2–3
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 10

8.3 The system shall allow training sessions and reviews to be scheduled for personnel.

5 CFR Part 930.301
29 CFR Part 1910.1450 (f)
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. B
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.2.7
ASTM E1578-18 E-1-2
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 7.1.x
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Guidelines
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.9
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.9
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.9

8.4 The system should provide access to relevant training materials to personnel attending training sessions.

5 CFR Part 930.301
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (d)
21 CFR Part 110.10 (c)
21 CFR Part 120.12
21 CFR Part 123.10
29 CFR Part 1910.1450 (f)
40 CFR Part 262.207
A2LA C223 5.2
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C6.3
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 4.13.2.12
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.2.1.1–3
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.2.6.2
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.9.3.3 and 5.9.3.5
ASTM E1578-18 E-1-3
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 7.1.x
CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th Edition
CJIS Security Policy 5.2.3
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.2.4.1
EPA QA/G-5 2.1.8
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 7.4
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Guidelines
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 3.3
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 3.3
ISO 15189:2012 5.1.9
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AT-2–AT-4
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, CP-3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IR-2
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.9
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.9
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.9
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.2)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 6.1
USDA LAS Laboratory Approval Program (LAP) Policies and Procedures 12.4e
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 6.1.2.8 and 6.1.3
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.2
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 2.1 (e)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 9.4
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 10

8.5 The system shall be able to record for every trainee their training attendance, progress, assessments, licenses, and certificates of completion for in-house training, continuing education courses, and other required courses of certification.

ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. B
ASTM E1578-18 E-1-4
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 3.3
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 3.3

8.6 The system should allow the results of tests taken by personnel to be uploaded and made available to authorized individuals for reference.

ASTM E1578-18 E-1-5
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 7.1.x
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AT-2 and AT-3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, CP-3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IR-2
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.9
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.9
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.9

8.7 The system should be able to produce a training matrix of personnel.

7 CFR Part 331.15
9 CFR Part 121.10
9 CFR Part 121.15
21 CFR Part 11.10 (i)
21 CFR Part 58.29
21 CFR Part 1.1150
21 CFR Part 211.25
21 CFR Part 225.10
21 CFR Part 226.10
21 CFR Part 226.40
21 CFR Part 820.25
29 CFR Part 1910.1030 (g-2)
29 CFR Part 1910.1030 (h-2)
29 CFR Part 1910.1200 (h)
29 CFR Part 1910.1450 (e)
42 CFR Part 73.10
42 CFR Part 73.15
42 CFR Part 493.43 (c)
42 CFR Part 493.1235
45 CFR Part 164.308
45 CFR Part 164.530
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 310.25
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 381.94
A2LA C223 5.2
AAFCO QA/QC Guidelines for Feed Laboratories Sec. 1.4 and 1.6
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.2
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.4.2.2
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Appendix 1
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. B
AIHA-LAP Policies 2022 (various parts)
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 4.13.2.12
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.2.1.1–3
ASTM E1578-18 C-3-5
ASTM E1578-18 D-1-6
ASTM E1578-18 E-1-6
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.2.3–4
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 9.3.4
E.U. Annex 11-2
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. III, Sec. 10 and 17
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 1
EPA QA/G-5 2.1.8
ISO 15189:2012 4.1.2.1
ISO 15189:2012 5.1.6
ISO 15189:2012 5.1.9
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.2.2
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.2.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.2.5
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.2.6
OECD GLP Principles 1.1.2
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 6.1

8.8 The system shall map available system tasks (such as approved test methods) or sample types (such as select agents and toxins) to available training paths and certifications, such that only trained, certified, and experienced personnel are able to perform assigned tasks.

9. Compliance management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

7 CFR Part 331.17
9 CFR Part 121.17
21 CFR Part 11.10 (e)
21 CFR Part 11.70
21 CFR Part 58.130 (e)
42 CFR Part 73.17
42 CFR Part 493.1251 (d)
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 310.25
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 381.94
ASTM E1578-18 C-4-7
ASTM E1578-18 E-2-1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.3.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.1 and 4.9.7
E.U. Annex 11-9
E.U. Annex 11-14
OECD GLP Principles 8.3.5
USDA Data and Instrumentation for PDP 8.1.3

9.1 The system shall accurately and consistently capture and add a time and date to created electronic records, as well as any modifications made to them. The system shall also prompt the user to enter a mandatory reason for any change made to a record.

21 CFR Part 11.10 (e)
21 CFR Part 11.70
21 CFR Part 58.130 (e)
21 CFR Part 211.68
21 CFR Part 211.100
21 CFR Part 211.160 (a)
21 CFR Part 211.188
21 CFR Part 211.194
45 CFR Part 170.315 (d)
ASTM E1578-18 E-2-2
CJIS Security Policy 5.4.1.1
CJIS Security Policy Appendix G.5
EMA Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.1 and 4.9.7
E.U. Annex 11-9
E.U. Annex 11-12.4
E.U. Annex 11-14
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 9.2
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-2(4) and AC-6(9)
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-2 and AU-3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, CM-5(1)
OECD GLP Principles 8.3.5
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 4.13.3)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.7 and 15.9
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5 (throughout)

9.2 The system shall document in the audit trail any event—including administrative and privileged functions—that creates, modifies, and deletes data, including user accounts, passwords, files, directories, logs, and other system resources.

21 CFR Part 11.10 (e)
21 CFR Part 11.70
21 CFR Part 58.130 (e)
21 CFR Part 211.68
21 CFR Part 211.100
21 CFR Part 211.160 (a)
21 CFR Part 211.188
21 CFR Part 211.194
42 CFR Part 493.1274
45 CFR Part 170.315 (d)
ASTM E1578-18 E-2-3
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.2.1
CJIS Security Policy 5.4.1.1
CLSI QMS22 2.2.3.2
CLSI QMS22 2.4.3
E.U. Annex 11-12.4
E.U. Annex 11-14
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 9.2
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-3 and AU-8
OECD GLP Principles 8.3.5
USDA Data and Instrumentation for PDP 8.1.4
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.7 and 15.9

9.3 The system's audit trail shall document the date, time, and user associated with a given event, as well as whether the event succeeded or failed.

21 CFR Part 11.10 (e)
21 CFR Part 11.70
21 CFR Part 58.130 (e)
21 CFR Part 211.68
21 CFR Part 211.100
21 CFR Part 211.160 (a)
21 CFR Part 211.188
21 CFR Part 211.194
45 CFR Part 170.315 (d)
ASTM E1578-18 E-2-4
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.8.6
E.U. Annex 11-14
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 9.2
ICH GCP 4.9.0 and 4.9.3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-3
OECD GLP Principles 8.3.5
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.7 and 15.9

9.4 The system's audit trail shall document the previous and current value of a modified field.

21 CFR Part 11.10 (e)
21 CFR Part 11.70
21 CFR Part 58.130 (e)
21 CFR Part 211.194
42 CFR Part 493.1251 (d)
45 CFR Part 164.310
ASTM E1578-18 E-2-5
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.8.6
E.U. Annex 11-14
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-10
OECD GLP Principles 8.3.5

9.5 The system shall provide electronic signature support to users who require the review, approval, rejection, modification, or disposition of a record.
21 CFR Part 11.70
E.U. Annex 11-14
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-10
9.6 The system shall prevent a user from copying and pasting the electronic signature of another user.

21 CFR Part 11.10 (e)
21 CFR Part 58.130 (e)
42 CFR Part 493.1274 (d)
E.U. Annex 11-9
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-6 and AU-12
OECD GLP Principles 8.3.5

9.7 The system shall be able to generate a complete and accurate copy of the audit trail in a human-readable and printable format.

10. Instrument and equipment management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-1 10.1 The system should provide a means for tracking usage of laboratory equipment and instruments.
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-2 10.2 The system shall provide a means for planning the use of and reserving equipment and instruments.
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-3 10.3 The system shall be able to bring an instrument online and take an instrument offline both manually and via a configurable scheduler.
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-4 10.4 The system should record instrument usage time to assist laboratory personnel with capacity planning and scheduling.
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-5 10.5 The system shall allow users to configure and record multiple instrument events for the same instrument, including different event types and different frequencies for the same event type.
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-6 10.6 The system shall be able to group instruments together in specific ways, including by type and laboratory location.

21 CFR Part 110.40 (f)
21 CFR Part 211.67–68
21 CFR Part 211.160 (b-4)
21 CFR Part 212.30 (b)
21 CFR Part 212.60 (e)
21 CFR Part 225.30 (b-4)
21 CFR Part 606.60
21 CFR Part 820.70 (g)
21 CFR Part 820.72
42 CFR Part 493.1252 (b-3)
42 CFR Part 493.1255
A2LA C211 5.5.2
A2LA C223 5.5
AAFCO QA/QC Guidelines for Feed Laboratories Sec. 2
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.5
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. E-20
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C1.5
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.6.1.1
AIHA-LAP Policies 2022 2C.3.7–2C.3.10
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-7
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 6.4.x
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CLSI QMS22 2.6.1
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 7
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.11–13
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.6–7
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 17.2
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - GMP 19
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.4.2
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.4.2
ISO 15189:2012 5.3.1.4
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.4.7
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.4.8
ISO/TS 22002-4:2013, 4.7.1
ISO/TS 22002-6:2016, 4.7
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, MA-2 and MA-2(2)
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 11.2.3.1
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 4.2.3.1
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 13.2.3.1
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.2.4
USDA Data and Instrumentation for PDP 5.2
USDA Data and Instrumentation for PDP 6
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.4
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 13.5
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 16.23

10.7 The system shall allow for the configuration of calibration and maintenance frequency and time frames for—as well as the manual and automatic scheduling of calibration or maintenance of—equipment, instruments, and systems. Available intervals should include days, weeks, months, and years.

21 CFR Part 225.30 (b-4)
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.5.9
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-8
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 6.4.x
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 17.2
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.4.2
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.4.2
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 16.23

10.8 The system shall provide clear alerts or notifications when an instrument nears its calibration due date.

21 CFR Part 211.160 (b-4)
A2LA C211 5.5.7
A2LA C223 5.6
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. E-21
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-9
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 6.4.x
CLSI QMS22 2.1.2.1
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.4.3
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.4.3
ISO 15189:2012 5.3.1.5
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.4.4
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.4.9
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 11.2.3.4
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 4.2.3.4
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 13.2.3.4
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.5.7)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 13.10

10.9 The system shall clearly identify any instrument that is out-of-calibration, beyond its preventative maintenance due date, or under investigation and prevent it from being selected for use.

21 CFR Part 111.117
21 CFR Part 820.72 (b-2)
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-10
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 6.4.x
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.11–13
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.6–7
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.4.8
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, MA-2, MA-2(2), and MA-6(1)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 16.23

10.10 The system shall be able to show all instances of scheduled calibration, preventative maintenance, and service dates for an instrument.

21 CFR Part 820.72 (b-1)
42 CFR Part 493.1255
A2LA C211 5.6.2.1
A2LA C223 5.6
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.6.1–2
AIHA-LAP Policies 2022 2C.3.7 and Appendix H5.1-5.3
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 6.4.x
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 7
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 17.2
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.4.13
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.5
ISO/TS 22002-4:2013, 4.7.1
ISO/TS 22002-6:2016, 4.7
OECD GLP Principles 4.2
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 11.2.3.2
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 4.2.3.2
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 13.2.3.2
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.6.2.1 and 5.6.4.1)
USDA Data and Instrumentation for PDP 6.1

10.11 The system shall be able to link a calibration activity to certified reference material or designated measurement processes.
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-11 10.12 The system shall support the use of predefined intervals when calculating instrument event dates.

21 CFR Part 110.40 (f)
21 CFR Part 211.105 (b)
42 CFR Part 493.1255
A2LA C211 5.5.4 and 5.5.5
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.5.4–5
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-12
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 6.4.x
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 7
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.6–7
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 17.1
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.4.1
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.4.1
ISO 15189:2012 5.3.1.7
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.4.8
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.4.13
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, CM-8
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 11.2.3.6
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 4.2.3.6
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 13.2.3.6
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.5)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 7.2
USDA LAS Laboratory Approval Program (LAP) Policies and Procedures 12.4j
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 4.2.1 and 5.2.4
WHO Technical Report Series, #961, Annex 13, 6.1

10.13 The system shall be able to uniquely identify each instrument and any associated components and maintain that and other information—such as manufacturer, model number, serial number, and calibration and maintenance history—within the system.
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-13 10.14 The system shall be able to automatically take a parent instrument offline when a child instrument or component goes offline.

10 CFR Part 20.2103
21 CFR Part 58.63
21 CFR Part 111.117
21 CFR Part 211.67–68
21 CFR Part 211.160 (b-4)
21 CFR Part 211.182
21 CFR Part 211.194 (d)
21 CFR Part 212.30 (b)
21 CFR Part 212.60 (e)
21 CFR Part 820.70 (g)
21 CFR Part 820.72
42 CFR Part 493.1254
42 CFR Part 493.1255
A2LA C211 4.13.2.1
A2LA C211 5.5.2
A2LA C211 5.10.4
AAFCO QA/QC Guidelines for Feed Laboratories Sec. 2
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.5
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. E-20 and -23
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. F-1 and I-1
AIHA-LAP Policies 2022 2C.3.7–2C.3.10
ASTM E1578-18 E-3-14
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CLSI QMS22 2.2.2.1
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 7
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.11–13
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.6–7
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - GMP 19
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.4.2
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.4.2
ISO 15189:2012 5.3.1.4
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.4.4–5
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.4.13
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, MA-2, MA-2(2), and MA-4
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
OECD GLP Principles 4.2
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 11.2.3.1
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 11.2.3.6
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 4.2.3.1
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 4.2.3.6
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 13.2.3.1
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 13.2.3.6
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.5)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.2.4
USDA Data and Instrumentation for PDP 5.4
USDA LAS Laboratory Approval Program (LAP) Policies and Procedures 12.4c
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.4
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.46
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 16.23

10.15 The system shall be capable of chronologically logging details for scheduled and unscheduled calibration and maintenance activities for each instrument, including calibration status, calibration standard, date and time of calibration or maintenance, work performed, who conducted it, and signatures of those verifying the completed activities.

11. Batch and lot management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

21 CFR Part 58.105 (a)
21 CFR Part 211.80
21 CFR Part 225.102
21 CFR Part 226.102
ASTM E1578-18 E-4-1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.3
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.10.1
OECD GLP Principles 6.2

11.1 The system shall provide a means for organizing samples or processes into identifiable batches based upon pre-defined criteria.

21 CFR Part 211.80
21 CFR Part 225.102
21 CFR Part 226.102
ASTM E1578-18 E-4-2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.10.1

11.2 The system shall maintain the links between component parts of a batch and track the batch throughout the system.

21 CFR Part 211.80
21 CFR Part 225.102
21 CFR Part 226.102
21 CFR Part 820.65
ASTM E1578-18 E-4-3

11.3 The system shall allow for identifying a batch as a unique entity that can be quality controlled in the same way as, e.g., a single sample.
ASTM E1578-18 E-4-4 11.4 The system should provide a means for determining the effectiveness of a process and designate the disposition of a batch based on study or experiment results.
E.U. Annex 11-15 11.5 The system shall allow only authorized personnel to certify the release of batches, requiring an electronic signature to do so.

12. Scheduled event management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
21 CFR Part 129.80 (g)
ASTM E1578-18 E-5-1
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 5.6–7
12.1 The system shall allow users to create, maintain, and revise schedules for various laboratory tasks and processes.
21 CFR Part 212.61 (a)
21 CFR Part 211.166 (b)
ASTM E1578-18 E-5-2
12.2 The system scheduler shall be capable of working with a variety of laboratory tasks like calibrations, maintenance, and stability studies.
ASTM E1578-18 E-5-3 12.3 The system scheduler shall automatically create a sample number specifically for recording the results of calibration, validation, and maintenance.
ASTM E1578-18 E-5-4 12.4 The system shall be capable of handling industry-specific testing characteristics (e.g., sampling points, human body sampling location).
ASTM E1578-18 E-5-5 12.5 The system shall provide a means for setting a standard or reagent's retest date based on a retest interval.

13. Instrument data capture and control

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
ASTM E1578-18 E-6-1 13.1 The system shall be able to trigger an instrument event after a definable number of uses of that instrument.
ASTM E1578-18 E-6-2 13.2 The system shall be able to automatically take an instrument offline when an instrument's calibration or maintenance date passes without calibration or maintenance taking place.
ASTM E1578-18 E-6-3 13.3 The system should allow auto samplers and other robotic systems to be controlled via an application programming interface or web services.
ASTM E1578-18 E-6-4 13.4 The system should accurately record instrument information, personnel names, dates, and times relating to entered results or determinations.
ASTM E1578-18 E-6-5 13.5 The system should be able to accept the results uploaded from an interfaced instrument.
ASTM E1578-18 E-6-6 13.6 The system should be capable of sending sample sequences (e.g., control samples, standards) to an instrument that is bidirectionally interfaced.
ASTM E1578-18 E-6-7 13.7 The system should provide a means to interface with simple laboratory instruments using technologies such as RS-232, TCP/IP, and USB.
ASTM E1578-18 E-6-8 13.8 The system should support industry communication standards like Specification E1394 and Health Level 7 for bidirectional communication with laboratory instrumentation software.

14. Standard and reagent management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

21 CFR Part 58.83
29 CFR Part 1910.1200 (g)
29 CFR Part 1910.1450 (h)
42 CFR Part 493.1252 (c)
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. E-17
ASTM E1578-18 E-7-1
ISO 15189:2012 5.3.2.4–5
OECD GLP Principles 4.4

14.1 The system shall allow for accurate inventory management of all standards, reagents, and consumables used for laboratory testing. The system shall also be able to link manufacturer documents such as material safety data sheets and in-house instructions to their respective materials.

7 CFR Part 331.3
9 CFR Part 121.3
21 CFR Part 312.58 (b)
42 CFR Part 73.3–4 (c)
ASTM E1578-18 E-7-2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.1.12
ISO 15189:2012 5.3.2.4
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 12.20

14.2 The inventory system shall allow a material to be clearly identified as a controlled, regulated, or hazardous substance and flagged based on its physical and/or chemical stability.
ASTM E1578-18 E-7-3
ISO 15189:2012 5.3.2.4
14.3 The system shall be capable of tracking standard and reagent consumption and expiration such that a list of items nearing reorder level or expiration date can be produced on demand.
ASTM E1578-18 E-7-4
ISO 15189:2012 5.3.2.4
14.4 The system should be capable of tracking standards and volumetric solutions created in-house such that concentration, purity, and molarity factor are recorded and made available during calculation of results.
ASTM E1578-18 E-7-5
ISO 15189:2012 5.3.2.4
14.5 The system shall be capable of applying review statuses to a standard or reagent's properties, also requiring additional review if properties such as vendor lot number or expiration date are changed.

15. Inventory management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
ASTM E1578-18 E-8-1
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
15.1 The system should be capable of accurately tracking the specific quantities of received and consumed test samples and specimens.

21 CFR Part 212.60 (d)
ASTM E1578-18 E-8-2
CLSI QMS22 2.1.2
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards

15.2 The system should support the recording of inventory items' attributes, including chemical name, internal name, catalog number, reorder level, consumable or reusable status, and expiration date.

21 CFR Part 211.84
21 CFR Part 211.101
21 CFR Part 212.60 (d)
21 CFR Part 226.80
21 CFR Part 606.120 (b)
29 CFR Part 1910.1030 (g)
29 CFR Part 1910.1096 (e-6)
29 CFR Part 1910.1200 (f-6) and (f-10)
40 CFR Part 262.206
ASTM E1578-18 E-8-3
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
OSHA 1910.1200(b)(3) and (f)
OSHA 1910.1450(h)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 14.13, 14.35, and 14.41
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.10–12

15.3 The system should be capable of designing and printing labels in a variety of sizes, formats, and inventory categories.

21 CFR Part 117.420
21 CFR Part 212.40 (c)
21 CFR Part 820.50
A2LA C211 4.6
ASTM E1578-18 E-8-4
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.5.1.4
Codex Alimentarius CXC 1-1969, Ch.1, 7.2.8
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, I, K - FSM 13.2.1
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, D - FSM 13.2.2
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, I - FSM 13.2.3
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2 - FSM 13.5
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 4.4.1
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 4.4.1
ISO/TS 22002-1:2009, 9.2
ISO/TS 22002-4:2013, 4.6.2
ISO/TS 22002-6:2016, 4.6.2
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.3.4.1
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.3.4.1
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.3.4.1
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 4.6.4)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 7.1
WHO Technical Report Series, #961, Annex 13, 7.1 and 7.3
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 14.8

15.4 The system should provide a means for ordering inventory through a qualified vendor using a vendor master list containing approval status for order validation.

21 CFR Part 211.196
21 CFR Part 212.90
21 CFR Part 225.110
21 CFR Part 606.165
29 CFR Part 1910.1450 Appendix A (I)
A2LA C211 4.6
ASTM E1578-18 E-8-5
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 4.6.2)
USDA Hemp Production Program Laboratory Testing Guidelines, Summary of Practice 1.5

15.5 The system should provide a means for accurately recording the receipt, approval, distribution, and disposal of materials.

21 CFR Part 211.82 (b)
21 CFR Part 211.84 (a)
21 CFR Part 211.89
21 CFR Part 211.110 (d)
21 CFR Part 211.142 (a)
21 CFR Part 212.40 (c)
ASTM E1578-18 E-8-6
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 12.18

15.6 The system should provide a means for quarantining specific material types until they can be validated by a quality control test or disposed of.

21 CFR Part 211.89
21 CFR Part 211.110 (d)
42 CFR Part 493.1252 (d)
ASTM E1578-18 E-8-7

15.7 The system should allow authorized personnel to retire faulty or poor quality materials from use.

21 CFR Part 211.89
ASTM E1578-18 E-8-8

15.8 The system shall clearly designate a standard or reagent as being disposed or consumed.

16. Investigation and quality management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
21 CFR Part 312.62 (b)
21 CFR Part 812.140 (a-3)
16.1 The system shall be able to create and accurately maintain complete case histories, allowing them to be electronically signed.

21 CFR Part 312.57 (a)
21 CFR Part 312.62 (a)
21 CFR Part 606.165
21 CFR Part 812.140 (a-2) and (b-2)

16.2 The system shall be able to accurately track the reception, use, storage, shipment and disposition of investigational drugs, blood products, and medical devices, including details such as, but not limited to, type, quantity, unique identifiers, dates, names, reasoning for return or disposition, shipping demographics, and signatures.

21 CFR Part 1.1152 (c)
21 CFR Part 58.81 (a)
21 CFR Part 211.100
21 CFR Part 211.111
21 CFR Part 211.192
21 CFR Part 211.194
21 CFR Part 606.171
42 CFR Part 493.1253 (b-2)
A2LA C211 5.4
ABFT Accreditation Manual C-16
ABFT Accreditation Manual F-2
ABFT Accreditation Manual J-3
ASTM E1578-18 E-9-1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.2.3
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 9.3.4
CLSI QMS22 2.2.2.2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.3
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.4
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 24.1
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.2.1.7
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.2.2.1
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.10.2
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 8.7
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
OECD GLP Principles 7.3
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 4.9 and 5.7.2)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 8.2.2
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.3.6
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 16.3

16.3 The system shall be able to record instances of identified nonconformance and method deviation, as well as the actions required to restore the process to conformity. In the case of a planned deviation, the system shall require documentation, justification, proof of validation, adjusted reference intervals, and authorization for the deviated process.
42 CFR Part 493.1282
ASTM E1578-18 E-9-2
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 2073/2005 Article 9
16.4 The system should clearly identify samples and tests that are out-of-specification (OOS) and out-of-trend (OOT) as unique incidents.

21 CFR Part 606.100 (c)
42 CFR Part 493.1282
ASTM E1578-18 E-9-3
CLSI QMS22 2.1.2.1
CLSI QMS22 2.2.2.3
EPA QA/G-5 2.2.10
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 17.12
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 11.12

16.5 The system should trigger an alert or notification when an OOS/OOT status is found, indicating a delay in processing and prompting a documented investigation to identify the root cause.

10 CFR Part 30.34 (g)
21 CFR Part 112.147
21 CFR Part 225.58 (d)
21 CFR Part 225.158
21 CFR Part 606.100 (c)
21 CFR Part 820.100
42 CFR Part 493.1282
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 417.3
A2LA C211 4.9 and 4.11
ASTM E1578-18 E-9-4
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.4.3
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.1.2
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 9.3.5
CLSI QMS22 2.6.4
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 13
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Principle 5
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 25
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
NYSDOH ELAP Medical Marijuana Microbiology Guidance
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IR-5
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.5.3
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.5.3
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.5.3
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (throughout)
USDA LAS Laboratory Approval Program (LAP) Policies and Procedures 12.4h
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.3.9
WHO Technical Report Series, #961, Annex 13, 11.1
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 2.1 (f, j)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 5.0
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 11.12

16.6 The system shall allow for the documentation of and corrective and preventive action towards all types of nonconformance.

21 CFR Part 225.58 (d)
21 CFR Part 225.158
42 CFR Part 493.1282
42 CFR Part 493.1289
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 417.3
A2LA C211 4.8 and 4.11
ASTM E1578-18 E-9-5
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.4.3
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.6.1.2
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 9.3.5
CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th Edition
CJIS Security Policy 5.3.4
CJIS Security Policy Appendix G.7
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 13
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Principle 5
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 22
NYSDOH ELAP Medical Marijuana Microbiology Guidance
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-6(1)
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IR-4(1) and IR-5
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SI-2 and SI-4
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.5.3
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.5.3
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.5.3
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 2.1 (f, j)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 5.0

16.7 The system should track and record incidents and associated corrective actions, allowing authorized personnel to document the effectiveness of the actions, identify insufficient resolutions, and curb repeat occurrences.
ASTM E1578-18 E-9-6 16.8 The system should provide a means for configurable workflows to manage OOS and OOT incidents according to an organization’s standard operating procedures.
9 CFR Part 2.35 16.9 The system should provide a means for documenting and maintaining records related to the acquisition, disposition, euthanization, and welfare of animals involved in investigations (research), with the ability to include important metadata such as name and demographics of the acquirer, their USDA license or registration number, the USDA tag/tattoo number of the animal, the animal's description, etc.


A4. Specialty laboratory functions

Note: These categories cover the specialty requirements that come with working in specific industries such as agriculture, pharmaceutical production, and forensic science. You'll likely notice that most of the content here isn't covered by ASTM E1578-18.

17. Production management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
21 CFR Part 211.103
21 CFR Part 226.40 (d)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 16.4 and 16.20
17.1 The system should be able to calculate and record theoretical and actual percentage of yield at various phases of processing, manufacturing, and packaging.
21 CFR Part 211.103 17.2 The system should provide a means for verification and approval of yield calculations before release for reporting.

21 CFR Part 820.20
21 CFR Part 820.40
21 CFR Part 820.186
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 11
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 1.0

17.3 The system shall be able to maintain a production facility's quality system in a specific quality system record, in accordance with regulations and guidance such as 21 CFR Part 820.20 and 820.40 (U.S.), E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 11 (E.U.), and WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 1.0 (global).
21 CFR Part 820.30
21 CFR Part 820.120 (e)
17.4 The system shall be able to create a design control document capable of recording the details surrounding device development, including control number, physical and performance requirements, final output, review, verification, approval, transfer, changes, and complete design history.
21 CFR Part 820.181
21 CFR Part 820.184
17.5 The system shall be able to create a device master and device history record capable of recording all information described in 21 CFR Part 820.181 and 820.184.

21 CFR Part 106.6
21 CFR Part 111.255–260
21 CFR Part 114.100 (b)
21 CFR Part 211.105 (b)
21 CFR Part 211.130 (e)
21 CFR Part 211.134 (c)
21 CFR Part 211.188
21 CFR Part 211.20 (d)
21 CFR Part 211.50 (c)
21 CFR Part 225.102
21 CFR Part 225.202
21 CFR Part 226.80
21 CFR Part 226.102
21 CFR Part 820.60
21 CFR Part 820.70 (a)
21 CFR Part 820.80 (c)
21 CFR Part 820.120 (d)
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 6.1.1
Codex Alimentarius CXC 1-1969, Ch.1, 7.1.1
Codex Alimentarius CXC 1-1969, Ch.1, 8.1
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 9.1
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Principle 2 and 4
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Principle 7
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 11
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 4.2.1.1
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 4.18.1
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 4.2.1.1
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 4.18.1
Safe Food for Canadians Regulations SOR/2018-108 Division 3, 48 (3)
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.3.1–2
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.3.1–2
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.3.1–2
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 2.1 (a) and (f–g)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.25–30

17.6 The system shall be able to create a batch production record capable of recording complete information regarding batch production and control details such as, but not limited to, a unique batch, lot, or production run number; formulation; specific labeling and packaging; production steps; in-process and laboratory control results; the unique identifier of any equipment used; persons performing and/or supervising operational steps; and the results of any pre-process or post-production inspections.

21 CFR Part 106.6
21 CFR Part 106.100 (e)
21 CFR Part 111.205–210
21 CFR Part 114.100 (b)
21 CFR Part 211.186
21 CFR Part 212.50 (b)
21 CFR Part 225.102
21 CFR Part 226.102
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.6.2
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 9.2.1
Codex Alimentarius CXC 1-1969, Ch.1, 7.1.2
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Principle 7
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 10.1
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 11
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 4.2.1.1
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 4.2.1.1
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.3.1–2
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.3.1–2
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.3.1–2
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.22–23

17.7 The system shall be able to create a master production and control record capable of recording complete information regarding master production and control details.

21 CFR Part 106.100 (e)
21 CFR Part 111.123 (a)
21 CFR Part 114.100 (c)
21 CFR Part 117.150 (d)
21 CFR Part 211.100
21 CFR Part 211.186
21 CFR Part 212.50 (b)
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 417.3
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 9.2.4
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 10.3–4
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 10.2
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 4.2.1.2
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 4.3.x
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.11
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 4.2.1.2
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 4.3.x
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.11
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.3.1–2
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.3.1–2
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.3.1–2
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 2.1 (a–b)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 4.0

17.8 The system shall require a new or modified master production and control record to be validated, reviewed, and approved before being implemented into production, including allowing that record to be electronically signed by one or more authorized individuals upon approval. If discrepancies or other errors are found, the system shall also allow authorized individuals to document corrective action taken to resolve those errors, including conclusions and follow-up activity.

21 CFR Part 111.123 (a)
21 CFR Part 114.100 (c)
21 CFR Part 117.150 (d)
21 CFR Part 211.22
21 CFR Part 211.192
21 CFR Part 820.70 (b)
21 CFR Part 820.75
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 417.3
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 10.3
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 4.2.1.2
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 4.3.x
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.11
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 4.2.1.2
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 4.3.x
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.11
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.3.1–2
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.3.1–2
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.3.1–2
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 2.1 (a–b, f)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 4.0

17.9 The system shall require a new or modified production and control record to be validated, reviewed, and approved before being implemented in production. If discrepancies or other errors are found, the system shall also allow authorized individuals to document corrective action taken to resolve those errors, including conclusions and follow-up activity.

21 CFR Part 211.110
21 CFR Part 212.50
21 CFR Part 820.80 (c)
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Principle 4
ISO/TS 22002-1:2009, 14.3

17.10 The system shall be able to indicate if a sample consists of an in-process manufacturing material and track characteristics of the in-process material such as identity, strength, quality, purity, and approval status.
21 CFR Part 211.111 17.11 The system shall provide a means to track the amount of time between production processes.

21 CFR Part 106.6
21 CFR Part 106.80
21 CFR Part 106.100 (f-6)
21 CFR Part 117.420
21 CFR Part 211.122 (c)
21 CFR Part 211.184
21 CFR Part 212.20 (b)
21 CFR Part 212.40 (c) and (e)
21 CFR Part 225.42
21 CFR Part 226.40 (b)
21 CFR Part 226.42
21 CFR Part 606.120 (b)
21 CFR Part 820.60
21 CFR Part 820.80 (b)
21 CFR Part 820.120 (b)
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.6.1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.9.2
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 5.4.4
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.5.1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 9.5.1–2
Codex Alimentarius CXC 1-1969, Ch.1, 7.2.8
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, I, K - FSM 14.1.1
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, D - FSM 14.1.2
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, D - FSM 14.1.3
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - GMP 17
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 4.5.2
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 4.18.1
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 4.5.2
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 4.18.1
ISO/TS 22002-1:2009, 9.3
ISO/TS 22002-1:2009, 14.2
ISO/TS 22002-4:2013, 4.6.3
ISO/TS 22002-4:2013, 4.11.2
ISO/TS 22002-6:2016, 4.6.3
ISO/TS 22002-6:2016, 4.11.2
Safe Food for Canadians Regulations SOR/2018-108 Part 5, 90
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 14.4, 14.15, and 14.21
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.32–33

17.12 The system shall be capable of documenting the receipt of non-sample, -standard, and -reagent materials (e.g., formulated drugs, drug components, raw ingredients, medical devices, labeling, and packaging materials), including information such as manufacturer, date of receipt, lot numbers, reference numbers, certificates of conformity, shelf life or expiration date, storage location, status of examination, and status of approval for use. Any related specifications for those materials should be able to be linked to the received materials.

21 CFR Part 211.122 (e)
21 CFR Part 211.125 (d)
21 CFR Part 211.184
21 CFR Part 225.42
21 CFR Part 226.42
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.5.3
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 9.5.3
Codex Alimentarius CXC 1-1969, Ch.1, 7.2.8
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - GMP 17
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 14.7 and 14.22
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 16.35

17.13 The system shall be capable of recording the changing quantity of inventoried non-sample, -standard, and -reagent materials (e.g., formulated drugs, drug components, raw ingredients, labeling, containers, and packaging materials), including batch and lot numbers and, if applicable, details of disposition after completion of production.

21 CFR Part 106.6
21 CFR Part 106.70
21 CFR Part 111.113
21 CFR Part 111.123 (b)
21 CFR Part 114.100 (d)
21 CFR Part 120.10
21 CFR Part 123.6
21 CFR Part 211.122 (e)
21 CFR Part 211.125 (d)
21 CFR Part 211.184
21 CFR Part 225.42
21 CFR Part 226.42
21 CFR Part 606.100 (c)
21 CFR Part 820.80 (d–e)
21 CFR Part 820.90
21 CFR Part 820.160
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.8.1
Codex Alimentarius CXC 1-1969, Ch.1, 7.2.2
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 2073/2005 Article 7
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 23
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 24.1
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.7.1
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.10
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.7.1
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.10
Safe Food for Canadians Regulations SOR/2018-108 Division 5, 82–84
Safe Food for Canadians Regulations SOR/2018-108 Part 5, 90
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.5
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.7
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.5
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.7
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.4.5
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.4.7
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 2.1 (g)
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 14.4, 14.26, and 14.28
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.44–45
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 16.36
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 17.18–19

17.14 The system shall prevent the internal release for distribution of a completed production batch until an authorized individual has determined the batch's conformance to final specifications and has approved it for release. If a batch is nonconforming, the system shall be able to clearly document it as such (so as to not distribute it) and provide a review and disposition process. Such approval, rejection, review, and disposition activities shall be documented.

21 CFR Part 7 Subpart C
21 CFR Part 117.139
21 CFR Part 211.192
21 CFR Part 507.38
21 CFR Part 810 Subpart B
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.11.2
Codex Alimentarius CXC 1-1969, Ch.1, 7.5
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 13
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 2073/2005 Article 7
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 22
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.9.2
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.9.2
ISO/TS 22002-1:2009, 15.x
ISO/TS 22002-4:2013, 4.12
ISO/TS 22002-6:2016, 4.12
Safe Food for Canadians Regulations SOR/2018-108 Division 5, 82–84
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.6.3
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.6.3
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.6.3
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 6.0
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 14.32

17.15 The system shall provide a means to track and record recall activities of manufactured product and devices based on lot, batch, or other identifier, including storage location, necessary disposition details, and reconciliation between distributed and recovered quantities.

21 CFR Part 111.520
21 CFR Part 211.165 (f)
21 CFR Part 211.204
21 CFR Part 212.71 (d)
21 CFR Part 820.90 (b-2)
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 2073/2005 Article 7
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.6
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.6
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.4.6
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 14.29–30

17.16 The system should allow a completed production batch that has been rejected for use or a returned production batch to be flagged in the system for reprocessing or reworking if it meets relevant criteria.

21 CFR Part 112.145
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 4.11.8.x
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 2073/2005 Article 5
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, I - FSM 19.2
ISO/TS 22002-1:2009, 11.5
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.8
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.8
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.4.8

17.17 The system shall support environmental testing protocols for testing the production environment on a scheduled, reportable basis. That support shall include facility and sampling site management functionality that allows for highlighting specific test points in the facility, as well as support for offsite and randomized testing. The system should also allow associated samples, methods, tests, reports, and other documents to clearly indicate they correspond to specific environmental testing protocols.


18. Statistical trending and control charts

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

21 CFR Part 820.250
AIHA-LAP Policies 2018 2A.7.7.1.3
ASTM E1578-18 E-10-1
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 7.2.8
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. VI, Sec. 7.8
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 2073/2005 Article 9
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Principle 4
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.7.1

18.1 The system should allow authorized users to configure the generation of statistical trending and control charts.

21 CFR Part 820.250
AIHA-LAP Policies 2018 2A.7.7.1.3
ASTM E1578-18 E-10-2
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 7.2.8
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. VI, Sec. 7.8
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 2073/2005 Article 9
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Principle 4

18.2 The system should allow authorized users to choose specific sample types, tests, and parameters associated with the statistical trending and control charts that can be generated.


19. Agriculture and food data management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
FDA Office of Regulatory Affairs Data Exchange (ORA DX) Program 19.1 The system should be able to create or convert an XML or XLS file to ORA DX template specifications, including the use of ORA DX terminology.
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 5.3
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 6.2
19.2 The system shall allow for the assignment of the "regulatory sample collection" role and be able to produce a list of individuals in said role, including information such as name, locations assigned, part- or full-time role, and full-time equivalents (if any) used to meet any regulatory requirements.
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 5.4 19.3 The system shall allow for the documentation of sampling sites used for normal and regulatory sampling and be able to produce a complete list of such sites on-demand. The documentation should allow for details such as the addition of a unique, never-before-used site code; a region code; demographics; date added to or removed from the system; facility type; sample substrates or commodities available at the site; and relative volume information.
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 5.4.12 and 5.4.14 19.4 The system shall allow a site that is no longer active for sampling purposes be designated as inactive, yet be allowed to remain on any generated master list. Additionally, such inactive site shall maintain its unique site number in the event the site becomes reinstated as active.

21 CFR Part 117.130–135
21 CFR Part 120 (throughout)
21 CFR Part 123.6
21 CFR Part 507, Subpart C
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 417.x
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 2.x
Codex Alimentarius CXC 1-1969, Ch.2, 3.x
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 852/2004 Article 5
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 2073/2005 Article 5
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - HACCP 1.X
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 2.2.x
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 2.2.x
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.3
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.3
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.4.3

19.5 The system shall allow for the development and documentation of hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) or other regulatory-driven food safety plan steps, as well as the implementation of those CCPs or steps into configurable laboratory workflow.
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 417.4 19.6 The system shall require a new or modified HACCP or other regulatory-driven food safety plan be validated, reviewed, and approved before being implemented, including requiring that plan to be electronically signed by one or more authorized individuals upon approval.

21 CFR Part 106.90
21 CFR Part 106.92
21 CFR Part 106.94
21 CFR Part 106.100 (j)
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.4.x
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, D, I, K - FSM 20
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 5.1
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 5.1
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 8.8.2
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.5.4
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.5.4
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.5.4

19.7 The system shall allow for the documentation and management of internal and external audit activities, while allowing samples, methods, tests, results, reports, documents, and more to be clearly associated with that corresponding audit activity.


20. Environmental data management

Not relevant to food and beverage labs.


21. Forensic case and data management

Not relevant to food and beverage labs.


22. Clinical and public health data management

Not relevant to food and beverage labs.


23. Veterinary data management

Not relevant to food and beverage labs.


24. Scientific data management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

ASTM E1578-18 E-11-1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.3.4.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.8.9
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.9

24.1 The system shall capture raw instrument data and metadata either as an electronic file or directly via RS-232 or TCP/IP communication.
ASTM E1578-18 E-11-2 24.2 The scientific data management system (SDMS) should provide a checksum verification of source and destination data and store that verification data in a secure server with controlled access.

ASTM E1578-18 E-11-1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.3.4.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.8.9
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.9

24.3 The system shall store metadata related to raw instrument data in a database in such a way that the original data generated by instruments for specific samples and tests is easy to retrieve.
ASTM E1578-18 E-11-4 24.4 The system should be capable of capturing a complete and readable copy of original data and any previous versions of modified data in order to maintain the integrity of that data.

AAVLD AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 4.10.2.3
ASTM E1578-18 E-11-5
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.3.4.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.8.9
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.9

24.5 The system should secure raw data such that it can't be deleted and provide version control when data is modified by any user or specific software.
ASTM E1578-18 E-11-6 24.6 The SDMS should provide tools for helping a laboratory achieve the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's defined ALCOA principles.
ASTM E1578-18 E-11-7 24.7 The SDMS shall provide security and access controls for protecting stored data.
ASTM E1578-18 E-11-8 24.8 The SDMS shall record an audit trail for each and every record created and modified, using version control.
45 CFR Part 164.308
ASTM E1578-18 E-11-9
24.9 The SDMS shall provide proper systems for backing up, restoring, and archiving data for long-term use.


25. Health information technology

Not relevant to food and beverage labs.


A5. Technology and performance improvements

Note: These categories cover what ASTM E1578-18 considers to be the extended functions that support core laboratory workflow, but in this case the dominant theme is additional technology that supports workflow, as well as requirements that improve overall laboratory performance.

26. Instrument data systems functions

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
ASTM E1578-18 E-12-1
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
CLSI AUTO15 2.0
26.1 The system should be able to use an application programming interface or web services to communicate with instrument data systems.
ASTM E1578-18 E-12-2
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
CLSI AUTO15 2.0
26.2 The system should be capable of sending samples and test orders to instrument data systems.

ASTM E1578-18 E-12-3
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
CLSI AUTO15 2.0
CLSI QMS22 2.2.2.5
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.16
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 4.12

26.3 The system should be capable of receiving test results from instrument data systems and verifying those results for completeness and readability.
ASTM E1578-18 E-12-4
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
CLSI AUTO15 2.0
26.4 The system should be capable of generically parsing instrument data to extract important sample details and results.

27. Systems integration

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
21 CFR Part 211.105 (a)
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-1
27.1 The system should be capable of communicating any status changes for samples, lots, instruments, and other dynamic entities to and from external systems.
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-2 27.2 The system should accurately communicate overall system status changes to external systems.

21 CFR Part 11.10 (c)
21 CFR Part 58.190
ABFT Accreditation Manual C-15
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-3
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.5 and 4.9.14
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 8.4.2
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
OECD GLP Principles 3.4
OECD GLP Principles 10
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.5
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 11.16 and Appendix 1

27.3 The system shall provide a means to choose—based on date and type of data—electronic data and metadata to archive.

21 CFR Part 11.10 (c)
21 CFR Part 58.51
21 CFR Part 58.190
ABFT Accreditation Manual C-15
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-4
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.5
E.U. Annex 11-17
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 8.4.2
OECD GLP Principles 3.4
OECD GLP Principles 10
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.2.1
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.5
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 11.16 and Appendix 1

27.4 The system shall provide a guaranteed means to retrieve and restore archived data and metadata that is readable and accurate.
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-5 27.5 The system should feature a reliable, effective, and supported data storage system.

21 CFR Part 1.1110
21 CFR Part 1.1152 (a–b)
ASTM E1578-18 C-6-6
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-6
CLSI QMS22 2.2.3.3
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.3.5

27.6 The system should be able to interface directly with a third-party reporting tool.
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-7 27.7 The system should be capable of being configured to and conform to the laboratory's existing data storage platforms and standards.
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-8 27.8 The system should provide the ability to modify the data structures of the data storage mechanism as needed.
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-9 27.9 The system should allow for both development and production environments for its data storage tools and allow the movement of records from one environment to another.
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-10 27.10 The system shall provide data storage tools capable of fine-tuning the performance and security of data.

21 CFR Part 11.10 (c)
21 CFR Part 211.68 (b)
21 CFR Part 820.180
45 CFR Part 164.308
A2LA C211 4.13.1.4
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 4.10.1.4
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C5.7
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-11
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.2.1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.3.1
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CLSI QMS22 2.4.2
CLSI QMS22 2.8.5
EMA Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 8
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. VI, Sec. 7.6
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.5 and 4.9.14
EPA QA/G-5 2.1.9
E.U. Annex 11-7.2
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 9.2
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 8.4.2
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, CP-9 and CP-10
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 4.13.1.4)
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.3.5
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.9
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, Appendix 1

27.11 The system’s data storage tools shall provide data backup and retrieval functions that meet or exceed industry best practices, including producing exact and complete backups that are secure and encrypted from manipulation and loss.
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-12 27.12 The architecture of the system should be organized such that modules are clearly and logically separated, with standard interfaces provided between the modules.
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-13 27.13 The system should be able to optimally use system and hardware resources to allow for concurrent usage and high-peak usage.
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-14 27.14 The system should come with a well-documented application programming interface in order to facilitate granular interfaces with the system's underlying modular functionality.

ASTM E1578-18 E-13-15
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
E.U. Annex 11-5
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.3

27.15 The system shall provide a means to integrate and exchange data electronically based on relevant methods, and in such a way so as to ensure accurate and secure data transfer and processing.
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-16 27.16 The system shall be able to accurately replicate its data storage tools to ensure a recoverable system in the event of hardware failure.
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-17 27.17 The system should be able to interface with an external enterprise resource planning system.
ASTM E1578-18 E-13-18 27.18 The system should be capable of interfacing with enterprise middleware.

28. Laboratory scheduling and capacity planning

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
21 CFR Part 211.25 (c)
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories B2
ASTM E1578-18 E-14-1
28.1 The system should be able to accurately gauge and report test-based work capacity or throughput.
ASTM E1578-18 E-14-2 28.2 The system should provide scheduling tools for allocating personnel and instruments to laboratory tasks.
ASTM E1578-18 E-14-3 28.3 The system should provide a means for tasks to be scheduled and allocated against available resources.
42 CFR Part 493.1274 (d) 28.4 The system should be able to track and limit the quantity of samples or hours worked on a type of sample by personnel, e.g., number of cytology slides or hours worked on them.

29. Lean laboratory and continuous improvement

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
ASTM E1578-18 E-15-1 29.1 The system should support a workload leveling strategy that automatically releases laboratory tasks to personnel.
ASTM E1578-18 E-15-2
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Principle 1
29.2 The system should provide a means to quickly visualize and assess workflow processes at strategic points.
21 CFR Part 211.42 (b)
ASTM E1578-18 E-15-3
FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Principle 1
29.3 The system should provide a means for mapping everyday workflow while identifying potential failure points.

30. Artificial intelligence and smart systems

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
ASTM E1578-18 E-16-1 30.1 The system should provide a means for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into laboratory workflow as a smart agent or assistant.
ASTM E1578-18 E-16-2 30.2 The system should support ontology-based machine learning for assisting with the analysis of laboratory informatics datasets.
ASTM E1578-18 E-16-3 30.3 The system should support voice data capture and retrieval as smart laboratory assistance functions.
ASTM E1578-18 E-16-4 30.4 The system should be able to reschedule samples, change test assignments, and perform other laboratory activities based on voice command input.
ASTM E1578-18 E-16-5
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, MA-6(2)
30.5 The system should support predictive maintenance routines for laboratory instruments and equipment.
ASTM E1578-18 E-16-6 30.6 The system should judiciously allow various system parameters to be optimized and ideal models set within the system by AI.
ASTM E1578-18 E-16-7 30.7 The system should allow AI to algorithmically infer from past learning how to customize without explicit instruction system parameters such as aggregation, transformation, and reporting of data.
ASTM E1578-18 E-16-8
CLSI QMS22 2.1.2.1
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SI-4(5) and SI-4(7)
30.8 The system should monitor laboratory operation parameters (such as capacity utilization and data integrity risks) and send notifications when necessary with recommendations for immediate and corrective action. The system should also maintain a log of all such monitored operational parameters and their status changes.

7 CFR Part 331.11
7 CFR Part 331.17
9 CFR Part 121.11
9 CFR Part 121.17
21 CFR Part 211.28
21 CFR Part 211.46
21 CFR Part 312.58 (b)
21 CFR Part 312.69
42 CFR Part 73.11
42 CFR Part 73.17
45 CFR Part 164.310
A2LA C211 5.3.4
A2LA C211 5.4.7.2
A2LA C223 5.3
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.3.1–2
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.3.4.1
ASTM E1492-11 4.1.8
ASTM E1492-11 4.4.2
ASTM E1578-18 E-16-9
CJIS Security Policy 5.9.1.6
CLSI QMS22 2.4.2
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.1.13
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.6
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.3.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.3.4
ISO/TS 22002-1:2009, 18.2
ISO/TS 22002-4:2013, 4.15
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, MP-2
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, PE-6(1)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.2.1
USDA Sample Processing and Analysis Procedures for PDP 5.2
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 9.5
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 12.8 and 12.18

30.9 The system should allow for other types of facility monitoring (such as alarm, light, lock, and door statuses) and send notifications when necessary with recommendations for immediate and corrective action. The system should also maintain a log of all such monitored systems and their status changes.
42 CFR Part 493.1252
ASTM E1578-18 E-16-10
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.3
30.10 The system should monitor instrument health (such as critical parameters and maintenance timing) and send notifications when necessary with recommendations for immediate and corrective action. The system should also maintain a log of all such monitored instrument activities and status changes.

7 CFR Part 331.11
7 CFR Part 331.17
9 CFR Part 121.11
9 CFR Part 121.17
21 CFR Part 820.70 (c)
42 CFR Part 73.11
42 CFR Part 73.17
42 CFR Part 493.1252
42 CFR Part 493.1278
A2LA C211 5.3
A2LA C223 5.3
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C1.2
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.3.1–2
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. E-22
ASTM E1578-18 E-16-11
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CLSI QMS22 2.2.3.5
EMA Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice
ISO 15189:2012 5.2.6
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.3.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 6.3.4
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.4.4
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
OECD GLP Principles 10
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.4.5
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.4.4.5
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.8.4)
USDA Sample Processing and Analysis Procedures for PDP 5.2
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.3.4 and 5.3.11
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 12.8 and 12.16

30.11 The system should allow for environmental control and monitoring of equipment (such as incubators and freezers) and send notifications when necessary with recommendations for immediate and corrective action. The system should also maintain a log of all such monitored equipment and their associated status changes.


A6. Security and integrity of systems and operations

Note: These categories cover what ASTM E1578-18 largely considers to be "platform and administration support functions." Notably, most of the requirements here have something to do with ensuring the security and integrity of not only the system and its functions but also the data that it houses and modifies.

31. Data integrity

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
ASTM E1578-18 E-17-1
EMA Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 9.1
31.1 System functionality should support ALCOA principles.

61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 417.5
ASTM E1578-18 E-17-2
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 8
A2LA C211 4.13.2.3
EMA Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.8.6
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.1 and 4.9.7
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SI-12

31.2 The system shall protect entered data so as to prevent it from being obscured by new data, keeping both the old and current data available for review.

21 CFR Part 1.1152 (d)
21 CFR Part 58.190
42 CFR Part 93.305
42 CFR Part 93.310
ASTM E1578-18 E-17-3
CLSI QMS22 2.2.2.2
EMA Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 8
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.3.4.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.8.6
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.8.9
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.9
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SI-12
OECD GLP Principles 10
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 4.13.3)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.2.1
USDA Data and Instrumentation for PDP 8.1.3
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 4.12 and Appendix 1

31.3 The system shall securely maintain a true, readable copy of an instrument's original (raw) data for on-demand review.

7 CFR Part 91.30
7 CFR Part 331.17 (c)
9 CFR Part 2.35
9 CFR Part 121.17 (c)
10 CFR Part 20.2103–10
10 CFR Part 30.34 (g)
10 CFR Part 30.51–2
21 CFR Part 1.1154 (a)
21 CFR Part 11.10 (c)
21 CFR Part 58.195
21 CFR Part 106.100 (n)
21 CFR Part 112.164
21 CFR Part 114.100 (e)
21 CFR Part 117.315
21 CFR Part 120.12
21 CFR Part 123.9
21 CFR Part 129.80 (h)
21 CFR Part 211.180
21 CFR Part 212.110 (c)
21 CFR Part 225.42 (b-8)
21 CFR Part 225.58 (c–d)
21 CFR Part 225.102
21 CFR Part 225.110
21 CFR Part 225.158
21 CFR Part 225.202
21 CFR Part 226.42 (a)
21 CFR Part 226.58 (f)
21 CFR Part 226.102
21 CFR Part 226.115
21 CFR Part 312.57
21 CFR Part 312.62
21 CFR Part 507.208
21 CFR Part 606.160 (d)
21 CFR Part 812.140 (d)
21 CFR Part 820.180 (b)
29 CFR Part 1910.120 (f)(8)
29 CFR Part 1910.1030 (h-2)
40 CFR Part 141.33
40 CFR Part 141.722
40 CFR Part 262.11 (f)
40 CFR Part 262.40
40 CFR Part 262.213
40 CFR Part 704 Subpart A
40 CFR Part 717.15 (d)
42 CFR Part 73.17 (c)
42 CFR Part 93.313 (h)
42 CFR Part 93.317
42 CFR Part 493.1105
42 CFR Part 493.1283
45 CFR Part 164.105
45 CFR Part 164.316
45 CFR Part 164.530
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 310.25
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 381.94
61 FR 38806, 9 CFR Part 417.5
A2LA C223 5.4
A2LA C223 5.9
AAFCO QA/QC Guidelines for Feed Laboratories Sec. 2.4.4 or 3.1
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 4.10.1.2
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 4.10.2.1
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.4.3.2
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. E-33
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C1.5
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C5.6
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories E2.1
AIHA-LAP Policies 2022 2A.7.5.1
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 4.14.1.2 and 4.15.1.2
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.9.3.6 and 5.9.7
ASTM E1578-18 E-17-4
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.3.2
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th Edition
CJIS Security Policy 5.3.4
CJIS Security Policy 5.4.6–7
CJIS Security Policy 5.5.2.1
CLSI QMS22 2.8.3
Codex Alimentarius CXC 1-1969, Ch.1, 7.4 EMA Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice
E.U. Annex 11-7.1
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 9.1
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 11.4
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 852/2004 Annex I, Section III.8.d
E.U. Commission Reg. No. 852/2004 Annex I, Section III.9.c
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. III, Sec. 15
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 8
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.18
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.17
EPA QA/G-5 2.1.9
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, I - FSM 9.2.1
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, D - FSM 9.2.2
GFSI Benchmarking Rqmts., v2020.1, Part 3, K - FSM 9.2.3
ICH GCP 4.9.5
IFS Food 7, Part 2, 2.1.2.2
IFS PACsecure 2, Part 2, 2.1.2.2
ISO 15189:2012 4.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 8.4.2
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AT-4
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-11 and AU-11(1)
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SI-12
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
OECD GLP Principles 10
OSHA 1910.1020(d)(1)(i–ii)
OSHA 1910.1450(j)(2)
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
Safe Food for Canadians Regulations SOR/2018-108 Division 3, 48 (4)
Safe Food for Canadians Regulations SOR/2018-108 Part 5, 90
SQF FSC 9, Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.2.3.3
SQF FSC 9, Pet Food Manufacturing, Part B, 2.2.3.3
SQF FSC 9, Manufacture of Food Packaging, Part B, 2.2.3.3
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (throughout)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.4
USDA Hemp Production Program Laboratory Testing Guidelines, Information Sharing 2
USDA LAS Laboratory Approval Program (LAP) Policies and Procedures 10c
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 6.5
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.3.5 and 5.4.4
WADA International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (ISPPPI) 10.0
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.8–9
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 11.15 and Appendix 1

31.4 The system shall have a mechanism to securely retain data in the system for a specific time period and enable protections that ensure the accurate and ready retrieval of that data throughout the records retention period.
ASTM E1578-18 E-17-6
CJIS Security Policy 5.4.4
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-8
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 4.12 and Appendix 1
31.5 The system shall accurately reflect the system date and time in its use of electronic record time stamps.
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
ASTM E1578-18 E-17-7
CJIS Security Policy 5.6.1
31.6 The system shall require each and every user to be assigned a unique user ID.

ASTM E1578-18 E-17-8
21 CFR Part 11.10 (e)
CJIS Security Policy 5.4.5
E.U. Annex 11-9
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-9

31.7 The system shall prevent the modification, deletion, or disabling of its audit trail, as well as record such attempts.
CJIS Security Policy 5.4.2
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-5
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SI-4
31.8 The system shall be capable of identifying instances of audit processing failure (e.g., write errors, general failure of the audit tool, etc.), sending alerts or notifications to appropriate personnel in such cases.

32. Configuration management

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-1
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
32.1 The system shall provide tools to enter and manage user-configurable lookup or master data.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-2 32.2 The system shall allow authorized users to configure the specification limits for sample and instrument tests.
45 CFR Part 162.1002
USDA Sampling Procedures for PDP 6.3.2
32.3 The system shall allow system nomenclature to be configured to use specific data code sets—such as the International Classification of Diseases or the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System—or mandated terminology to support regulatory requirements.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-3 32.4 The system should allow authorized personnel to configure the review and approval of multiple tests at the sample, batch, project, and experiment levels.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-4 32.5 The system should allow warning and material specification limits to be entered and configured so as to allow their comparison against entered results and determinations for determining whether the results meet those specifications or limits.
21 CFR Part 211.100 (b)
21 CFR Part 211.160 (a)
32.6 The system should provide a configurable means of allowing the system to automatically save after each entry to help meet ALCOA, CGMP, and other requirements to contemporaneously record data into records.

40 CFR Part 3.10
40 CFR Part 3.2000
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C13.3
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-5
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-10
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, Appendix 1

32.7 The system should provide a configurable (based on sample, test, or both) means of permitting electronic signatures for both entered results and approved reports.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-6 32.8 The system should be capable of providing a complete list of all pending tests loaded in the system, the amount of material required for each test, and to which location the associated samples are to be sent for testing.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-7 32.9 The system shall support configurable laboratory workflows based on appropriate laboratory process and procedure.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-8 32.10 The system shall allow authorized personnel to assign status values for purposes of tracking sample progress or other portions of laboratory workflow.
21 CFR Part 211.68
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-9
32.11 The system should allow authorized personnel to perform revision control of lookup or master data.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-10
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
32.12 The system should provide a means for importing lookup or master data.

AIHA-LAP Policies 2022 2A.7.8.4
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-11
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.11.6
USDA Data and Instrumentation for PDP 9.1

32.13 The system shall be able to define the number of significant figures (i.e., set rounding rules) for reported numeric data.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-12 32.14 The system should allow calculated limits to be created and managed based on test results and relevant metadata.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-13
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 3.2.6
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.11
32.15 The system should provide a clear alert or notification upon entry of out-of-specification results.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-14 32.16 The system shall allow authorized personnel to update static and dynamic data.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-15 32.17 The system should allow workflow events and status changes to trigger one or more user-defined actions.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-17
CJIS Security Policy 5.7.1
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-6(1)
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, CM-7
32.18 The system should provide an interface for administrative access that permits approved users to configure the system without extra programming or manipulation of data storage systems.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-18
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
32.19 The system should allow administrators to programmatically customize system modules or build calculations within the application, while also accurately documenting those system modifications.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-19 32.20 The system should provide a multiuser interface that can be configured to local user needs, including display language, character sets, and time zones.

21 CFR Part 11.100 (a)
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-20
E.U. Annex 11-14
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, CM-5(1)
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, Appendix 1

32.21 The system should support rules governing electronic records and electronic signatures in regulated environments.

7 CFR Part 331.11
9 CFR Part 121.11
10 CFR Part 20.2110
10 CFR Part 30.51 (c-1
21 CFR Part 11.10 (d)
21 CFR Part 211.68
42 CFR Part 73.11
45 CFR Part 164.308
A2LA C211 4.13.1.4
A2LA C211 5.4.7.2
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 4.10.1.3–4
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.4.4.1
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C5.3
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.4.7.2.1
ASTM E1492-11 4.2.4
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-16
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-21
CJIS Security Policy 5.5.2
CLSI QMS22 2.4.3
E.U. Annex 11-12
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 8.6
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. VI, Sec. 8.6
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.1.14–15
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.4 and 4.9.14
ICH GCP 2.10
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 4.2.1
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.11.3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, CM-5 and CM-5(1)
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
PFP Human and Animal Food Testing Laboratories Best Practices Manual
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 4.13.1.4
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.2.4
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.3.5
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.9

32.22 The system shall provide a security interface usable across all modules of the system that secures data and operations and prevents unauthorized access to data and functions.

BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.2.1
BRC GSFS, Issue 8, 3.3.1
CJIS Security Policy 5.5.2.2–3
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.1.14–15
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-2(11)

32.23 The system shall be able to granularly define access control down to the object level, role level, physical location, logical location, network address, and chronometric restriction level for the protection of regulated, patented, confidential, and classified data, methods, or other types of information.
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-22
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IA-2(10)
32.24 The system should support single sign-on such that a user can log in once and access all permitted functions and data.

21 CFR Part 11.200 (a)
45 CFR Part 164.312
45 CFR Part 170.315 (d)
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.4.7.2.1
ASTM E1578-18 E17-5 and S-3-1
CJIS Security Policy 5.6.1
CLSI QMS22 2.4.2.2
E.U. Annex 11-14
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 8.6
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. VI, Sec. 7.6
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. VI, Sec. 8.6
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.4
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-2(7) and AC-3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IA-2, IA-5, and IA-8
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, MA-4
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.3.5
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.9
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, Appendix 1

32.25 The system shall provide initial login access using at least two unique identification components, e.g., a user identifier and password, or biometric information linked to and used by the genuine user.

21 CFR Part 11.300 (a)
ASTM E1578-18 E17-5 and S-3-1
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 8.6
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. VI, Sec. 8.6
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IA-4 and IA-5

32.26 The system shall prevent the same combination of identification components from being used across more than one account.

21 CFR Part 11.300 (b)
ASTM E1578-18 E17-5 and S-3-1
CLSI QMS22 2.4.2
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IA-5 and IA-5(1)

32.27 The system shall allow the administrator to define a time period in days after which a user will be prompted to change their password.
CJIS Security Policy 5.6.3.1
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-2(3)
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IA-4 and IA-5(1)
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, PS-4
32.28 The system shall allow the administrator to define a time period of inactivity for a user identifier, after which it will be disabled and archived.
CJIS Security Policy 5.5.2.2
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-10
32.29 The system shall allow the administrator or authorized personnel to configure the allowance or prevention of multiple concurrent active sessions for one unique user.
CJIS Security Policy 5.5.4
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-8
32.30 The system shall allow the administrator or authorized personnel to configure approved system use (e.g., "you are accessing a restricted information system," "system use indicates consent to being monitored, recorded, and audited") and other types of notifications to appear before or after a user logs in to the system. These notifications should remain on the screen until acknowledged by the user.

21 CFR Part 11.300 (d)
21 CFR Part 211.68
21 CFR Part 211.100
21 CFR Part 211.160 (a)
21 CFR Part 211.188
21 CFR Part 211.194
A2LA C211 4.13.2.1
ASTM E1578-18 E17-5 and S-3-1
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CJIS Security Policy 5.4.1.1
CLSI QMS22 2.4.4
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 9.2
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, CM-5(1)
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.2.3.5
WHO Technical Report Series, #986, Annex 2, 15.9

32.31 The system shall keep an accurate audit trail of login activities, including failed login attempts, unauthorized logins, and electronic signings.

21 CFR Part 11.300 (d)
ASTM E1578-18 E17-5 and S-3-1
CJIS Security Policy 5.5.3
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-7

32.32 The system shall allow the administrator or authorized personnel to define the number of failed login attempts before the system locks the user out.
21 CFR Part 11.200 (a)
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-1
32.33 The system shall require at least one unique identification component for additional electronic signings (beyond initial login) during a single, continuous session.

7 CFR Part 331.11
9 CFR Part 121.11
21 CFR Part 11.200 (a)
21 CFR Part 211.68 (b)
21 CFR Part 211.188 (b-11)
21 CFR Part 211.194 (a-7 and a-8)
21 CFR Part 212.50 (c-10)
42 CFR Part 73.11
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-1
CJIS Security Policy 5.6.3.2
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IA-5

32.34 The vendor shall provide training materials emphasizing the importance of not sharing unique identification components with other individuals and promoting compliance review for ensuring such practices are followed.

7 CFR Part 331.11
9 CFR Part 121.11
21 CFR Part 11.10 (d)
42 CFR Part 73.11
42 CFR Part 493.1231
45 CFR Part 164.308
45 CFR Part 164.514
45 CFR Part 170.315 (d)
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-25
CJIS Security Policy 5.5.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.1.14–15
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IA-2, IA-5, and IA-8

32.35 The system shall support the ability to initially assign new individual users to system groups, roles, or both.

21 CFR Part 11.100 (a)
45 CFR Part 164.312
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-24
E.U. Annex 11-14
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-10 and AU-10(3)
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, Appendix 1

32.36 The system shall force a user's electronic signature to be unique and traceable to a specific user's account.
21 CFR Part 11.100 (a)
ASTM E1578-18 S-1-24
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AU-10 and AU-10(3)
32.37 The system shall prevent the reuse or reassignment of a user's electronic signature.
21 CFR Part 11.50
E.U. Annex 11-14
32.38 When the system generates a complete and accurate copy of an electronically signed record, it shall also display the printed name of the signer, the date and time of signature execution, and any applicable meaning associated with the signature. This shall be applicable for both electronically displayed and printed copies of the electronic record.

ASTM E1578-18 S-1-26
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
CLSI QMS22 2.8.5.3
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, Appendix 1

32.39 The system should provide a means to migrate static data into the system.
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IA-5(1)
CLSI QMS22 2.4.2
32.40 The system should provide a means for automatically authenticating if a user's proposed password meets the length, complexity, minimum number of changed characters, and other requirements as configured by the administrator or another authorized system user.
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IA-6 32.41 The system should provide a means for obscuring authentication feedback as it is entered into the system, e.g., displaying asterisks rather than the typed password or displaying actual typed feedback for a distinctly short period of time before obscuring it.

33. System validation and commission

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
ASTM E1578-18 S-2-1
CJIS Security Policy Appendix G.8
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SA-4(3)
33.1 The vendor should be able to demonstrate the use of software development standards, secure coding practices, formal change control, and software revision control within its development practices. The vendor should also document its staff's skills and certifications.
ASTM E1578-18 S-2-2
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SA-4(2)
33.2 The vendor should be willing to provide access to source code through a suitable escrow.
ASTM E1578-18 S-2-3 33.3 The system should be able to document a summary and evaluation of enterprise performance markers and processes.

A2LA C211 5.4.7.2
ASTM E1578-18 S-2-4
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.11.5
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SA-4(1), SA-4(2), and SA-5

33.4 The system should be well documented by the vendor in comprehensive training material for all aspects of system use, including administration, operation, and troubleshooting.

21 CFR Part 11.10 (a)
21 CFR Part 820.70 (i)
A2LA C211 5.4.7.2
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C5.7
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
CLSI QMS22 2.5
EMA Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice
E.U. Annex 11-11
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 8.6
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. VI, Sec. 8.6
E.U. Commission Directive 2003/94/EC Article 9.2
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.11.2
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
OECD GLP Principles 4.1
TNI EL-V1-2016-Rev.2.1 (V1,M2 5.4.7.2)
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 10.2

33.5 The system shall be validated initially and periodically, with those validation activities being documented, to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of system performance and its electronic records.
ASTM E1578-18 S-2-2
CLSI QMS22 2.5
E.U. Annex 11-4
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 10.3–7
33.6 The documentation associated with system validation shall discuss all applicable steps of the life cycle, justify applied methods and standards, and include change control records and observed deviations during validation, if applicable.

34. System administration

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

21 CFR Part 11.200 (a)
45 CFR Part 164.312
45 CFR Part 170.315 (d-5)
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-1
CJIS Security Policy 5.5.5
CLSI QMS22 2.4.2
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-11 and AC-12

34.1 The system shall provide administrators with a configurable period of time to apply to user access or inactivity before again prompting a user for authentication credentials. The system shall also be able to display an explicit message indicating how much time remains before the user session terminates.
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-2 34.2 The system should provide a means for modifying personnel data in a batch.
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-3 34.3 The system should support the storage and export of data in standard and industry-specific data formats, e.g., CSV, especially for regulatory reporting purposes.

7 CFR Part 331.11
9 CFR Part 121.11
21 CFR Part 11.10 (d)
21 CFR Part 211.68 (b)
42 CFR Part 73.11
45 CFR Part 164.308
45 CFR Part 164.514
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-7
CJIS Security Policy 5.5.1
CJIS Security Policy 5.5.2.4
CJIS Security Policy Appendix G.5
CLSI QMS22 2.4.2
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. IV, Sec. 8.6
EPA 815-R-05-004 Chap. VI, Sec. 8.6
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.1.14–15
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.2
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.8.7.1
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.11.3
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 8.3.2
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-2(7) and AC-3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IA-2 and IA-8
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, MA-4
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, PS-4 and PS-5
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.2.4
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.5.1.2
WHO Technical Report Series, #996, Annex 5, 5.4 and Appendix 1

34.4 The system shall support the ability to define, record, and change the level of access for individual users to system groups, roles, machines, processes, and objects based on their responsibilities, including when those responsibilities change. The system should be able to provide a list of individuals assigned to a given system group, role, machine, process, or object.
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-8 34.5 The vendor should provide maintenance agreements and support services for its applications and services.
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-9
E.U. Annex 11-3.3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SA-16
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.2.4
34.6 The vendor shall provide help desk, training, and installation support, as well as high-quality system documentation. The documentation should be reviewed to ensure that user requirements are fulfilled.

7 CFR Part 331.11
9 CFR Part 121.11
21 CFR Part 11.10 (c)
42 CFR Part 73.11
45 CFR Part 164.310
AAVLD Requirements for an AVMDL Sec. 5.4.4.3
ABFT Accreditation Manual Sec. D-5–D-8
ASCLD/LAB Supp. Reqs. for the Accreditation of Forensic Science Testing Laboratories 5.4.7.2.1
ASTM E1492-11 4.2.4
CJIS Security Policy 5.5.2
CJIS Security Policy 5.8.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.6
E.U. Annex 11-7.1
E.U. Annex 11-12
ISO 15189:2012 5.10.2
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.11.3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, MA-5
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, MP-2
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, PE-3, PE-3(1), PE-6, PE-6(1), and PE-6(4)
USDA Administrative Procedures for the PDP 5.2.1

34.7 The vendor shall restrict logical access to database storage components to authorized individuals. If providing a hosted service, the vendor should also restrict physical access to database storage components to authorized individuals. (In the case of an on-site solution, the buyer is responsible for limiting physical access to database storage components to meet 21 CFR Part 11, HIPAA, and CJIS guidelines.)
CJIS Security Policy 5.5.1 34.8 The system shall be able to tag and document an individual, group, and system account as having been validated for regulatory purposes, and remind the administrator or authorized personnel on a configurable schedule when the account should be validated again.

7 CFR Part 331.17
9 CFR Part 121.17
42 CFR Part 73.17
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-10

34.9 The system should provide a means of integrating with an enterprise personnel security directory, as well as physical security systems.

7 CFR Part 331.11
9 CFR Part 121.11
42 CFR Part 73.11
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C5.7
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-11
CJIS Security Policy 5.10.4.1
CLSI QMS22 2.1.4
CLSI QMS22 2.6.1
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.13
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SI-2(5)
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards

34.10 The vendor should provide timely upgrades and patches, with complete documentation, that have been tested before installation and can be rolled back.
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-12 34.11 The system shall provide a means for migrating data to a new release upon system upgrade.
21 CFR Part 1.1154 (b)
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-13
34.12 The system should be expedient with the retrieval of stored items.

21 CFR Part 11.10 (b)
APHL 2019 LIS Project Management Guidebook
E.U. Annex 11-5
E.U. Annex 11-8.1

34.13 The system shall allow the printing of stored electronic records in a complete, accurate, and human-readable format.
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-14 34.14 The system should provide some sort of support for use on mobile technologies, particularly for the purpose of receiving notifications and monitoring processes.
ASTM E1578-18 S-3-15
EPA ERLN Laboratory Requirements 4.9.13
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, CM-3(2)
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SI-2
34.15 The system shall be able to install an upgrade into a test environment for testing purposes before upgrading the actual production environment.

35. Cybersecurity

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement

42 CFR Part 493.1231
45 CFR Part 164.312
45 CFR Part 170.315 (d-9)
ASTM E1578-18 S-4-1
CJIS Security Policy 5.6.4
CJIS Security Policy 5.8.2.1
CJIS Security Policy 5.10.1.2
CJIS Security Policy Appendix G.6
CLSI QMS22 2.2.3.2
EMA Guidance on Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-17(2)
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, MA-4(6)
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SC-8 and SC-8(1)

35.1 The system should use secure communication protocols like SSL/TLS over Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol with 256 bit encryption.

42 CFR Part 493.1231
45 CFR Part 164.312
45 CFR Part 170.315 (d)
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C1.6
ASTM E1578-18 S-4-2
CJIS Security Policy 5.5.2.4
CJIS Security Policy 5.10.1.2
CJIS Security Policy Appendix G.6
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, CP-9(8)
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SC-13 and SC-28(1)

35.2 The system should support database encryption and be capable of recording the encryption status of the data contained within.
42 CFR Part 493.1231
CJIS Security Policy 5.6.2.2.1
CLSI QMS22 2.4.2.2
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-3
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IA-2, IA-2(1–4), and IA-8
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, MA-4
35.3 The system should be able to support multifactor authentication.
45 CFR Part 170.202
45 CFR Part 170.315 (h)
35.4 The system should support Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) transport standards and protocols for the reception and distribution of personal health information.
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, IA-7 35.5 The system should provide a means for authenticating an individual seeking to access any embedded cryptographic module within the system, as well as the individual's role in performing services within the module.
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SC-15 35.6 The system should prevent connected collaborative computing devices (e.g., cameras, microphones, interactive whiteboards) from being activated without explicit permission from the end user, and it should provide a clear indication of any activation to the end user.

36. Information privacy

Regulation, Specification, or Guidance Requirement
45 CFR Part 164 Subpart E
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories G17.2
ASTM E1578-18 S-5-1
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, PT-2 and PT-2(2)
36.1 The system shall comply with privacy protection compliance like that found in HIPAA provisions.

10 CFR Part 20.2106 (d)
45 CFR Part 164.105
45 CFR Part 164 Subpart C
45 CFR Part 170.315 (d)
ASTM E1578-18 S-5-2
ICH GCP 2.11
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, PT-2 and PT-2(2)
NYSDOH CLEP Clinical Laboratory Standards of Practice, General Systems Standards
WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) 5.3.8.3
WADA International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (ISPPPI) (throughout)

36.2 The system should be provisioned with enough security to automatically enforce verification mechanisms that prevent personally identifiable information in the system from being compromised.
45 CFR Part 164.514
ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories C5.5
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Manual
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SI-19
WADA International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (ISPPPI) 10.3
36.3 The system shall allow authorized individuals to de-identify select data in the system, including but not limited to names, geographic locations, dates, government-issued identification numbers, telephone numbers, email addresses, full-face photos, and other personal identifiers.
45 CFR Part 164 Subpart E
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, AC-6
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SI-19
36.4 The system shall be able to verify and ensure that users authorized to view de-identified data are also not a member of a role that permits access to information that re-identifies the data, i.e., segregate duties.
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, SI-19(7) 36.5 The system should use validated algorithms to de-identify data in the system and be validated to use those algorithms.
NIST 800-53, Rev. 5, PT-4 and PT-4(3) 36.6 The system should provide tools or mechanisms for recording the consent—and revocation of consent—of individuals who wish to allow—or disallow—their personally identifiable information to be processed, stored, and otherwise managed.


A7. Putting those requirements to practical use and caveats

Requirements Allocation Sheet.jpg

The LIMSpec covered laboratory informatics requirements organized into five broad categories, which are heavily influenced by the functional requirements checklist and Figure 3 of ASTM E1578-18 Standard Guide for Laboratory Informatics. However, the requirements listed prior are all based on not just the ASTM E1578 standard but also a wide variety of other standards, regulations, guidance documents, and standardized procedures (hereon referred to as "sources"). That ultimately means a foundational reasoning is provided for each requirement, not necessarily a "just because I want it" reasoning. As foundational requirements, this LIMSpec should thus operate as an excellent starting point for building your own software requirements specification or for researching the best laboratory informatics solution for your laboratory.

Software developer considerations

What does that mean for you? How can you best use this document? If you're a software developer for the laboratory industry, many of the sources referenced in these requirements should already be familiar to you. However, some of them may not be, and you'll probably want to at least familiarize yourself with them. Additionally, if you're developing a generic laboratory information management system (LIMS) or some other informatics solution, not tailored to a particular industry, most everything in chapters two, three, five, and six should largely be applicable to what you're doing with your commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software solution. Definitely review the requirements items listed there and make sure the most important ones are part of your own software requirements specification. If the software solution you're developing is tailored to a particular industry (e.g., clinical or public health, pharmaceutical development, or heavy metals testing), you'll also want to examine chapter four. If you don't see many requirements for your industry listed (see the "Caveats" section later), you'll probably have additional research to conduct to see what additional sources will affect how you develop the functional and, particularly, non-functional requirements.

Buyer considerations

If you're a potential buyer of a laboratory informatics solution, this LIMSpec is also useful to you. Perhaps you know a bit about your laboratory's workflow and a few of the regulations and standards that influence how that workflow is conducted, but you're not entirely informed. Reviewing the five broad categories of requirements may be necessary to help further inform you regarding what's vital in regards to what a laboratory informatics solution should be capable of. Additionally, you can then use these requirements as a base for your laboratory's own requirements list. Using the categories and their subdivisions, you can then add those requirements that are unique to your laboratory and industry that are not sufficiently covered by the LIMSpec requirements. As you review the various options available to you and narrow down your search, your own list of requirements can be used as both as a personal checklist and as a requirements list you hand over to the vendor you query.

Software vendor selection

That said, the requirements you hand off to the vendor should be discussed a bit more. Software vendor selection can at times be a tedious yet necessary process, one which requires careful planning and best practices. This topic has been written about by both software developers and end users alike, and their experiences should play a role in how you select a vendor. What follows is bullet-pointed advice as offered by some of those developers and end users.[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]

  • Have a clear business case and build your business needs into your laboratory's requirements.
  • Be mindful of how detailed you get with your own business-based requirements and what you initially hand off to a vendor. If you're too specific with too many requirements, you may have trouble finding a vendor that matches up. Start with the essentials that involve your laboratory's processes, regulations, integrations, reporting, service needs, etc. As this LIMSpec is foundation-based, you have a good starting point in that regard. You can always get more detailed with requirements as you narrow down vendors.
  • As discussed briefly in the introduction, you'll need to prioritize your needs somewhere between "critical" and "nice to have." The LIMSpec's requirements are largely critical for most purposes and can be marked as such. The requirements you add will have to be prioritized more carefully.
  • You'll also want to perform some informal third-party information gathering about the vendors. Are reviews of the vendors trustworthy? Have peers had any interactions and success with the vendor? Does the vendor have the ability to scale to meet your needs?
  • Schedule demonstrations of programs that seem like strong initial candidates. Make sure there is a question and answer session afterwards, and perform a post-demo evaluation.
  • A formal request for proposal (RFP) may or may not be necessary, depending on the level of information you acquire prior. However, formally requesting pricing and clarification of maintenance and additional service costs is useful. Just don't let price be the only thing that guides you.
  • Consider some of the intangibles. Does the vendor genuinely seem interested in your business and its needs? Do they communicate well and promptly? Do they seem flexible and able to accommodate a few special case requirements?
  • Be sure to consider future needs as you anticipate potential laboratory expansion.
  • Don't be afraid to choose a consultant to help you with the vendor selection process.

Caveats

First, note that this LIMSpec is still an evolving entity. Standards change. Regulations change. Procedures also change with such standards and regulations. That means that as those foundational characteristics shift, this set of requirements will have to also evolve. As such, do your homework and don't take everything you see here as fixed law. If you're responsible for investigating and/or purchasing a laboratory informatics system, be sure you have at least some familiarity with the primary industry your laboratory serves, and by extension the regulations and standards that affect it.

Second, the number of industry-specific applications of laboratory informatics software continues to grow, and with it also the regulations and standards that affect those specialty laboratories. As such, some industry-specific requirements may have been missed for lack of or too expensive public-facing sources. As mentioned with the first caveat, this version of LIMSpec is evolving, and as industry experts and researchers are able to provide additional feedback on this document, it will surely grow with more relevant sources. In other words, don't consider this complete, particularly if you're in a specialized laboratory industry. You may have to add more items based on you industry knowledge and insights.


A8. LIMSpec in Microsoft Word format

Microsoft Excel is often used as a tool to document requirements specifications. However, one downside to Microsoft Excel is its inability to handle multiple hyperlinks in the same cell. If you've looked over the LIMSpec in Appendix 1, you've likely noticed there are multiple hyperlinks to regulations, specifications, and guidance documents in the first column of the tables. Translating these wiki-based documents to Excel makes for a challenge when trying to maintain those hyperlinks. As they add value to not only your laboratory's requirements research but also to vendors' understanding of the sources for your requirements, it was decided the hyperlinks should be maintained in any portable version. As such, a Microsoft Word version was created.

You can download a copy of the Microsoft Word version of LIMSpec from LIMSwiki by going to File:LIMSpec for Food and Beverage Labs v1.0.docx, right-clicking the URL under the white box, and selecting "Save link as..." (Alternatively, you can just click the link, open the file, and then save it.) A compromise was made between keeping the hyperlinks in the first column readable and leaving enough room in the third column for a vendor to provide a response. This response space admittedly may be a limiting factor for vendors wanting to include screenshots. If this situation arises, you may encourage the vendor to select the entire first column and delete it, then widening the response column.

Note that this downloadable version of LIMSpec is released under the same licensing terms as this guide. Please see the first paragraph of the download for more details.

References

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Citation information for this chapter

Chapter: Appendix 1. Blank LIMSpec template for food and beverage labs

Title: LIMS Selection Guide for Food Safety and Quality

Edition: First Edition

Author for citation: Shawn E. Douglas

License for content: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Publication date: January 2023