Integrating the Agilent 7500 & 7700 ICP-MS
instruments with LIMS or database systems
Links for LIMS
Links for LIMS is a comprehensive instrument interfacing
software
package
designed
to
help
maximize
productivity and the automation of instrument systems of
all types. It will typically run alongside the instrument’s
own software to help users quickly process, manipulate
and validate results, and normally is configured to
provide a bi-directional interface with a LIMS, database
Agilent 7700 ICP-MS & LIMS
or Excel spreadsheet.
Agilent 7500 & 7700 instruments are often a key
Powerful Capabilities
component of a laboratories’ analysis arsenal. These
Links for LIMS provides that essential conduit between the
laboratories
raw results generated by the instrument software and the
capabilities of the instrument by easily linking it to their
validated results that are required by the laboratory to
LIMS or database system to for example, reduce the level
make decisions or fulfill reporting needs. The software is
of transcription of results (typically there is a 3% error
configurable so that it can replicate all aspects of data
during every manual transcription), reduce turnaround
handling
Operating
times, improve the level of automation and improve the
Procedures (SOPs) for all those methods used by that
overall usability of the system and hence overall results
instrument.
quality.
contained
in
the
Standard
Originally developed more than 15 years ago, Links for
LIMS has been implemented in hundreds of laboratories
worldwide and is routinely reducing user time and
analytical
quality.
often
looking
to
maximize
the
This data sheet introduces the capabilities of the Links for
Proven track record
improving
are
Typically
return
on
investment of one year or less is the norm. Driver software
for over 200 instrument systems and over 20 different
LIMS/LIS systems exists already and we will develop new
Drivers as required for all commercial systems.
LIMS software to conveniently interface between the
Agilent 7500 or 7700 instrument running the MassHunter or
Chemstation Software and different LIMS or database
systems. Please note that a laboratory with a vendor LIMS
may already have some form of instrument integration
software. Links for LIMS is usually complimentary to this
software yet provides a much higher level of data
interaction, improved functions and control, to help each
analyst perform more effectively. Often Links for LIMS
provides functions that are not possible in either the
instrument software or LIMS system.
Analytical Challenges
the analyst.
Elemental analysis is used across a broad range of
Once confirmed, the user loads the autosampler as
industries and applications. Samples are processed in
instructed and a sequence is built which can be run
batches with a variety of different methods to suit the
directly from the MassHunter or Chemstation software.
sample matrix. Challenges for analysts include:
Reviewing of results
Once the instrument has run, completed results are
viewable by Links for LIMS. As the results are captured,
Links for LIMS performs calculations and limit checking
and applies any logic required to handle the data.
Colour coding of results and QCs helps the analyst easily
identify issues for immediate attention.
Figure 1: Setup Run Review in a Water lab

Easy
creation
of
run
lists
incorporating
registered samples as well as QC’s and
Standards

Internal cross run or cross result calculations
including rounding and correction for drift,
blanks, dilution factors or sample weights


Figure 2: Results Review for wear metals
Convenient passing of reportable results for
Conclusion
samples in each run to the LIMS or reporting
Links for LIMS provides a powerful conduit between the
system.
Agilent 7500 or 7700 ICP-MS instrument and any LIMS or
Automatic flagging of AQC’s and charting of
database system. This releases analysts from many
past results.
manual and time consuming steps improving both data
Links for LIMS at work
quality and productivity.
Further Information
Building an instrument run
For further information or a demonstration of Links for LIMS
The Setup Program provides a direct link to a LIMS
please use the CSols web site www.csols.com, email
database and allows the analyst to create instrument
links4lims@csols.com or contact CSols at the address
runs directly. Sample information and identifiers extracted
below.
from the LIMS are merged with the correct QC and
The Heath, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 4QX, UK
Standards into an instrument run for review and editing by
Tel: +44 (0) 1928 513535 Fax: +44 (0) 07006 061106