CliniSys | MIPS launches GLIMS Genetics: an expert laboratory information system for human genetics

GLIMS Genetics, already deployed at CHU de Poitiers, converges all genetic testing within a single solution.

GLIMS Genetics has been designed by MIPS to combine the power of a mature laboratory information system (LIS) for ‘traditional’ specialties with the specific needs of genetics, including those linked to more recent technologies such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). The solution has already been successfully implemented in France’s university hospital of Poitiers, and will next be deployed in ten more genetics units in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Iceland and Switzerland.

Genetic medicine leaps forward

Genetic medicine is no longer limited to a few research centres, but has proven itself as a diagnostic tool. Genetic tests are thus gradually claiming their place within clinical medicine. To support this evolution, genetics laboratories need to transform: a transformation that goes hand in hand with advances in the technologies they use.

The challenge is therefore to progress from intense, time-consuming manual sample management, to a streamlined and automated approach that improves throughput, leverages workflows, and delivers results to clinicians efficiently, transparently and seamlessly, via the electronic patient record.

A LIS adapted for the entire spectrum of genetics

Developed by a dedicated team within MIPS, European leader in laboratory information management systems, in close collaboration with three international university hospitals, GLIMS Genetics covers the entire spectrum of genetic tests, and enables the integration of new technologies such as NGS.

The solution offers a high level of automation, easily customisable genetics workflows, an integrated family tree graphics tool for creating the family and visualising results and genetic history, the ability to enrich reports with images and graphics, as well as statistical analysis capabilities.

Cutting-edge technologies

GLIMS Genetics meets all the requirements for security, accessibility, transparency and interoperability. Its leading-edge technology, multilingual functionality and multi-site capabilities maximise the investment. Perfectly integrating into the existing IT environment, GLIMS Genetics communicates with world-class expert systems.

The solution can be used as a stand-alone version integrating the management of gene and variant panels, interconnected in a network with other laboratory information systems, or as part of a complete GLIMS configuration with all the advantages of a powerful, modern LIS.

It also builds on the expertise of MIPS in handling the most sensitive personal data.

GLIMS Genetics thus enables genetics laboratories to increase their capacity and performance, while opening up a path towards more personalised treatment based on patients’ genetic profiles.

“So-called personalised or predictive medicine sends strong signals to the clinical community and opens up enormous potential for patients. However, it depends on the efficiency of test management and the speed of producing results, as well as their integration into the history of the patient and his family. This is what GLIMS Genetics was designed for, and we look forward to supporting genetics laboratories and departments in their exciting development prospects,” says Stéphane Decap, Genetics Product Manager at MIPS.

Hard at work at the university hospital of Poitiers

The new GLIMS Genetics has been successfully implemented in the genetics laboratory of university hospital of Poitiers, France. This successful deployment was the result of close collaboration between the hospital, MIPS and its European partners.

GLIMS Genetics has enabled the laboratory to replace its complex and time-consuming test management system using traditional information systems, with a centralised solution based on a standardised and streamlined process, which also simplifies report creation.

“We would like to thank GLIMS Genetics for its contribution to our rapidly evolving test management activity within our laboratory,” comments Dr Fabienne Dufernez, Pharmacist Biologist, and Hospital Doctor at the university hospital of Poitiers. “The growing demand from requesting clinicians and the expansion of our genetic testing offering, means that we have to speed up processing. At the same time, technological advances are opening up new fields of investigation that must be exploited. There is a lot of potential for patients, and our laboratory software must meet these new challenges efficiently!”