Illumina Case Study: The Science for Life Laboratory

Routinely Providing Cutting-Edge Services toSwedish Researchers
The Science for Life Lab implements Clarity Laboratory Information Management System(LIMS) to cope with increasing sample volume in multiple labs.
The Challenge
Large research labs with diverse clients must balance the demands of using
cutting-edge technologies and standardizing processes and workflows to run
their labs optimally—all while seamlessly providing a service to customers.
The Science for Life Lab (SciLifeLab) is no different. As a collaboration
among Stockholm University, University of Uppsala, KTH Royal Institute ofTechnology, and the Karolinska Institutet, they process approximately 5000
samples per year for researchers throughout Sweden. To continue to provide
the utmost in quality and innovative services, SciLifeLab knew that it would
have to purchase a LIMS, so they turned to Clarity LIMS* for help.

Finding the Right Solution

The Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab),in Solna, Sweden.

Like many other labs, SciLifeLab was successfully using an elaborate
system of Google spreadsheets to manage their samples. But they knewthat it was only a matter of time before they had to invest in a LIMS: theincreasing volume and diversity of samples made filling out the spreadsheets
cumbersome, difficult to track, and prone to human error.
They did purchase a LIMS, but it didn’t correspond with the way they worked
in their lab. They also explored the option of developing their own system,
but ultimately decided it would take resources away from what they do best.
After looking at quite a few other LIMS vendors, SciLifeLab decided to workwith GenoLogics and use Clarity LIMS. According to Per Kraulis, the Managerof Genomics IT, Clarity LIMS offered SciLifeLab the best fit because it wasengineered specifically for labs doing next-generation sequencing. That it
was flexible, offered preconfigured workflows for common instruments, suchas those from Illumina, and could be further customized via the Application
Programming Interface (API), was also key in their decision.

* Clarity LIMS is now available from Illumina as BaseSpace® Clarity LIMS.

“the interface is intuitive,corresponds with the way
they work, and … training andsupport prepared them well.”Implementing Clarity LIMS

Summary

To implement Clarity LIMS, GenoLogics worked closely with SciLifeLab. AOverview

large challenge presented itself early when SciLifeLab decided it couldn’t
halt production to switch from the old LIMS to Clarity LIMS. Kraulis likened
this challenge to swapping the wings of an aircraft while it is in flight. Closecollaboration between GenoLogics and SciLifeLab turned into a savvy
implementation plan, which ultimately helped SciLifeLab mitigate this challenge.
Getting staff to adopt the new system has been straightforward as well. Kraulis

The Science for Life Lab, a collaboration among
several Swedish research institutes, implements
Clarity LIMS to meet growing demands inmanaging lab processes.

Challenge

remarks that the interface is intuitive, corresponds with the way they work, and that

Processing an increasing volume and diversity

training and support prepared them well.

of samples demands standardized processes
and workflows for optimal lab performance, withEnabling Life Sciences Throughout All of Sweden

data management that is free from human error.

After a successful implementation, SciLifeLab is using Clarity LIMS almostSolution

exclusively and have purchased another instance for use in their clinicalgenomics lab. Even though they are early on in their use of the system, they
already note several benefits:• Reduced Possibility of Human Error—Clarity LIMS populates lot
numbers throughout.

Clarity LIMS offered preconfigured workflows
and integrated data management acrossexperiments and multiple facilities.

Benefits
Reduced possibility of human error,• Comprehensive Sample Tracking—They can now easily track all
their samples.

comprehensive sample tracking, and potential
for customization with other tools.

• Potential for Further Customization with Other Tools—SciLifeLabhas already set its sights on further inteagrating Clarity LIMS with third party
or in-house tools, such as analysis programs and pipeline dashboards
through use of the API.
And most importantly, Clarity LIMS has enabled SciLifeLab to find that balance
between providing cutting edge services and standardizing lab processes tocontinue to provide the best services possible for its customers.

“Clarity LIMS offered SciLifeLabthe best fit because it wasengineered specifically forlabs doing next-generation
sequencing.”

Learn more about BaseSpace Clarity LIMS at
www.genologics.com/clarity-lims

Illumina • 1.800.809.4566 toll-free (US) • +1.858.202.4566 tel • techsupport@illumina.com • www.illumina.com
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
© 2016 Illumina, Inc. All rights reserved. Illumina, BaseSpace, MiSeq, TruSight, and the pumpkin orange color are trademarks of Illumina, Inc. and/orits affiliate(s) in the U.S. and/or other countries. Pub. No. 970-2016-012 Current as of 10 May 2016