Distinction assignment from BTEC Applied Science Unit 4-Laboratory techniques and their application. UNIT 4D distinction assignment with checklist. Includes examples of scientific data and how they are stored (LIMS).
P7 Explain how scientific information in a workplace laboratory is recorded and processed to meet the
needs of the customer and to ensure traceability
P8 Explain how useful scientific information is obtained from large data sets and the potential issues and
benefits.
M6 Analyse the differences in the storage and communication of scientific information in different
workplace laboratories.
D4 Evaluate the challenges to organisations in making available large volumes of scientific
information.
D1 Systems for managing laboratory information
The need for traceability:
o signatures or unique computer logins. ✅
o Records associated with laboratory work: ✅
o booking in a sample – record of origin of the sample ✅
o unique sample identification number ✅
o records relating to the analysis – readings/weights etc. on computer, sheets or in a notebook ✅
o results sheet (sheet or computer or notebook) ✅
o report of analysis/certificate of analysis (paper or electronic) ✅
o reporting in a format that meets the customer’s needs by a scientific organisation. ✅
o Laboratory information management system (LIMS) ✅
D2 Communicating information in a scientific organisation
Types of information used in organisations:
o customer details ✅
o product details ✅
o manufacturing data ✅
O warehousing data
o standard operating procedures – for all departments
o sample details ✅
o results of analysis of raw materials and products ✅
o maintenance records – showing when equipment was serviced or repaired ✅
o safety data ✅
,o environmental records ✅
o ways of communicating data, including company intranet, documents, email, website. ✅
Channels of communication:
o in departments ✅
o between departments ✅
o with external customers o with regulatory bodies ✅
O with the wider scientific community – to share research data. ✅
D3 Use of informatics for storage and retrieval of scientific information
Examples of science data stored in large databases:
o DNA sequencing ✅
o healthcare records ✅
o data relating to population surveys (human/animal/plant) ✅
o fingerprints. ✅
Examples of uses of information from large databases:
O personalised healthcare treatment ✅
o checking what research has already been done ✅
o evaluating the quality of existing data ✅
o genetic engineering. ✅
Advantages of storing and retrieving large quantities of data:
o access to a much larger data set to inform conclusions ✅
o access to other relevant information and research. ✅
Issues associated with bioinformatics:
o confidentiality ✅
o ethical issues. ✅
The need to use appropriate software effectively.
P7 Records associated with laboratory work
Scientific information can be stored either physically or digitally. There are many different ways in which
information can be stored. Most information is stored digitally to keep it safe and secure. Information
on scientific samples can be given a unique identification number and then stored, which makes it easier
to identify. Samples can also be stored in groups based on their properties or where they originated
from. There must also be information on each sample which would be stored in either a physical or
digital record log. Some of this information would consist of when it arrived at the laboratory i.e.; date,
time and who it was given to, as well as some of its properties such as mass, colour, etc. Having this sort
, of information about each sample is important as it then makes it easier to trace samples. COSSH
guidelines state that all this information about chemicals should be recorded to make tracking easier.
When being given the sample, the person receiving it must use their signature and sign for it as a form
of proof that the sample has been received. The reason for using signatures is because they are unique,
and it helps tracking as it shows where the sample should be and who is responsible for it. However,
there is always the risk of people forging signatures. Any tests or experiments done on samples should
also be recorded. Reports should be digital but also a physical copy if the client prefers that. Technicians
can communicate and share data with each other physically through notes and lab reports or through
images and online documents. Technicians must use scientific language and standard terminology. In
certain cases, language will have to be simplified when talking to clients.
P8 Examples of scientific data stored in large databases
Information is stored on large databases, mostly digitally, as it is much easier and more efficient to
access. Some of this information would include DNA sequencing, medical records and data relating to
surveys. This information should be kept confidential which is why this information would not be
accessible to everyone. The only people that should be able to see this confidential information is the
company and the customer. Confidential information is kept on an intranet which is a local private
network. This is to protect people's privacy and keep them safe, as hackers will need to be inside the
company to be able to hack and access the information. Information being stored digitally means that
hackers will try to obtain this information to sell or leak it to everyone. Unique computer logins,
biometrics and facial recognition are some of the precautions taken to keep this information safe
however on some occasions hackers are still able to obtain this information and leak it. Leaking
information puts a lot of people at risk and also makes the company or place storing the information
look bad. Data may be leaked to expose medical facilities or companies of any kind of disingenuous
behaviour. Data such as DNA sequencing can be used for genetic engineering. Data such as healthcare
records keep an up to date and factual record of any personalised healthcare treatment and keeps you
informed on what research has already been carried out. Hospitals will keep your data for 8 years, so in
the future it makes it easier for them as they have a record on you and can see your history. Patients'
healthcare data should be kept confidential and should not be shared, as it could put the patient at risk.
Insurance companies could discriminate and take advantage of certain people if they know their
healthcare history and any problems they suffer from. COSHH records are a type of data stored to
ensure that everyone is aware of any health and safety issues. This information would be kept within the
organisation and not shared publicly. There will also be information stored on any security breaches or
any close encounters. Information about waste disposal such as how often, how much and how waste is
disposed of and there will also be records of all technicians/workers. Some of this information may
include their level of qualification, how long they’ve been working and any problems they may have had
whilst working. The DNA fingerprint database stores fingerprints and can be used to match it to
criminals. Police will take your fingerprints if you commit a crime and this data stays on the system for a
long period of time to make it easier for them to track you if you commit another crime. Many people
use their fingerprint as a way to access their personal files as everyone's fingerprint is unique and it will
be quite hard for someone else to gain access.
P8 LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)
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