PASSIM--an open source software system for managing information in biomedical studies.
BACKGROUND
One of the crucial aspects of day-to-day laboratory information management is collection, storage and retrieval of information about research subjects and biomedical samples. An efficient link between sample data and experiment results is absolutely imperative for a successful outcome of a biomedical study. Currently available software solutions are largely limited to large-scale, expensive commercial Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Acquiring such LIMS indeed can bring laboratory information management to a higher level, but often implies sufficient investment of time, effort and funds, which are not always available. There is a clear need for lightweight open source systems for patient and sample information management.


RESULTS
We present a web-based tool for submission, management and retrieval of sample and research subject data. The system secures confidentiality by separating anonymized sample information from individuals' records. It is simple and generic, and can be customised for various biomedical studies. Information can be both entered and accessed using the same web interface. User groups and their privileges can be defined. The system is open-source and is supplied with an on-line tutorial and necessary documentation. It has proven to be successful in a large international collaborative project.


CONCLUSIONS
The presented system closes the gap between the need and the availability of lightweight software solutions for managing information in biomedical studies involving human research subjects.
Viksna
Juris
J
Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, Riga, University of Latvia, Latvia. jviksna@mii.lu.lv <jviksna@mii.lu.lv>
Celms
Edgars
E
Opmanis
Martins
M
Podnieks
Karlis
K
Rucevskis
Peteris
P
Zarins
Andris
A
Barrett
Amy
A
Neogi
Sudeshna Guha
SG
Krestyaninova
Maria
M
McCarthy
Mark I
MI
Brazma
Alvis
A
Sarkans
Ugis
U
D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D001698:Biomedical Engineering / Q000379:methods; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D003628:Database Management Systems; D016208:Databases, Factual; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods*; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D011381:Programming Languages; D012984:Software; D014584:User-Computer Interface