What is LIMS data migration and why is it needed?

Data migration refers to the process of transferring data from one system or location to another. This could involve moving data from an old LIMS to a new one, upgrading to a newer version of the LIMS, or consolidating data from multiple sources into a single LIMS.

A myriad of factors driving business imperatives and technological evolution warrant the need for LIMS data migration. Primarily, the need for data migration arises from system upgrades or replacements, where laboratories seek to harness the capabilities of advanced LIMS platforms to improve efficiency and productivity. Similarly, vendor changes may prompt the migration, as laboratories move towards providers offering enhanced features or better support. Evolving compliance requirements may also necessitate data migration to avoid regulatory pitfalls. Moreover, as businesses expand, data centralization becomes imperative for streamlining operations, eliminating data silos, and facilitating collaboration across geographies. The adoption of cloud-based solutions not only enhances accessibility but also enables scalability and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the demand for enhanced reporting and analytics drives laboratories towards platforms capable of delivering actionable insights from vast datasets. Legacy system decommissioning and security enhancements further propel the need for migration, as laboratories strive to mitigate risks and strengthen their data infrastructure against emerging threats.

Steps for a Successful Data Migration

Figure 1: Steps for a successful LIMS data migration (Figure courtesy of CloudLIMS)

Executing a data migration exercise well involves following a set of steps and stages thoroughly.

Planning

The first crucial step in a LIMS data migration project is planning. It begins with the allocation of essential resources within the laboratory, ensuring that sufficient personnel, expertise, and technical infrastructure are available to support the migration process. Collaborating with a reliable LIMS vendor can significantly streamline this phase, as they can provide guidance and assign a dedicated project manager to oversee the entire migration journey. During the planning stage, several key considerations must be addressed to ensure a smooth and effective migration process.

• Stakeholder alignment is paramount, with all parties involved in the project having clearly defined goals aligned with the overarching objective of achieving a seamless transition. This involves identifying data owners and assembling specialized teams or task forces to manage specific aspects of the migration.
• Legacy data evaluation is another critical aspect of the planning stage that requires a thorough assessment of the data housed within the existing system. Laboratories must determine which data is essential for migration to the new system and whether certain information can be archived or stored in alternative repositories, such as data warehouses, to streamline the migration process.
• Data suitability is also a crucial consideration, ensuring that the data earmarked for migration is compatible with the new LIMS platform and meets the necessary quality standards.
• Regulatory compliance is another vital aspect to address during the planning stage, ensuring adherence to stringent security and compliance guidelines to maintain accreditations and certifications.
• Moreover, establishing a clear migration timeline that outlines the proposed schedule for the migration exercise and identifies strategies to minimize disruption to laboratory operations is essential. This involves careful coordination of activities to ensure a seamless transition while mitigating the risk of operational disruptions.
• An integral decision during the planning stage is the selection of the migration approach. Three common methods include the parallel approach, incremental approach, and the big bang approach.
  • In the parallel approach, both the existing (legacy) LIMS and the new LIMS operate simultaneously for a defined testing period. This method is widely adopted by labs due to its ability to ensure consistency and accuracy in the new system. However, it’s crucial to note that this approach can be resource-intensive and complex. Deploying personnel to support two systems can incur significant expenses. Nevertheless, the benefits are notable, as this approach enhances the accuracy of the system. Additionally, having the old system available for reference during the transition period offers reassurance and allows data verification when needed.
  • In the incremental method, data migration occurs gradually, often in phased stages rather than all at once. This approach involves a step-by-step migration process, minimizing the risk of disruptions and allowing laboratory operations to continue uninterrupted. For instance, in the initial phase, system configurations such as calculations can be addressed. Subsequently, instrument integration can be tackled in the second phase, followed by the integration of third-party software in the third phase. By breaking down the migration process into stages, laboratories can seamlessly implement the new system while maintaining normal operations.
  • In the big bang approach, laboratory data and functionality are transferred from the existing system to the new system in a single, comprehensive operation. This transition occurs all at once, usually during a predefined cutover period. While this method offers speed, it is less commonly used due to its drawbacks such as significant downtime and disruption to customer service. Moreover, as data complexity and quantity increase, implementing the big bang approach becomes increasingly challenging.

Data Extraction

The data extraction step is an important step in the data migration process, involving the retrieval of data from the existing LIMS system in preparation for its transfer to a new LIMS or an updated version of the existing LIMS. This phase demands a comprehensive assessment to identify the specific data elements and records requiring migration, including diverse information ranging from sample details to test results and instrument data. Careful consideration is given to all data to be transferred, calling for a thorough audit of the source data. Labs need to identify the kind of data they have. For instance, transferring structured data, organized within tables and columns, is typically a smooth process, whereas transferring unstructured data, such as images, is more challenging. It’s important to have a LIMS that can support the export of large volumes of data in a simple and practical way. As the foundational step in the migration journey, proper data extraction lays the groundwork for a seamless transition to the new system.

Data Transformation

The data transformation or data mapping step in the data migration process is a crucial step where attributes from one database are matched to their counterparts in another using a predefined template. This process is essential for ensuring that data retains its integrity and structure during the transition to a new LIMS or a transformed version of an existing one. The complexity of data mapping can vary significantly, depending on factors such as the volume of data, the diversity of data types, and the disparities between the legacy data source and the new LIMS. Complex mappings may involve transformations to reconcile differences in data formats, field names, or data structures, while simpler mappings may entail straightforward one-to-one mappings. Regardless of complexity, extensive attention to detail is required to ensure accurate data transfer and minimize the risk of data loss or corruption.

Figure 2: Leverage a good LIMS for seamless data transformation using its attribute mapping capabilities.

Data Cleaning

The data cleaning step of the data migration process is a critical one aimed at enhancing the quality and reliability of datasets slated for transfer to a new LIMS. This phase involves an examination of datasets, tables, and databases to identify and rectify various anomalies, including unreliable, inaccurate, duplicated, or outdated information. Through rigorous error detection and rectification, data cleaning mitigates the risk of transferring errors and inaccuracies to the new system, safeguarding data integrity. Key tasks within the data cleaning process include identifying and rectifying errors such as spelling discrepancies, inaccuracies, or incomplete information within the dataset. Additionally, removing duplicate data and standardizing data formats, units, and structures to align with the specifications of the new LIMS are essential. Furthermore, data integrity checks and normalization procedures are performed to validate data consistency and adherence to predefined standards.

Data Validation

The data validation step is aimed at verifying the accuracy, consistency, and compliance of data transferred from the old system to the new system. This rigorous process ensures that the migrated data is devoid of potential errors and discrepancies. Through systematic validation procedures, the data is examined to identify any anomalies or inconsistencies that may have arisen during the migration process. Key aspects of data validation include verifying the completeness and correctness of transferred data, ensuring that all essential information has been accurately migrated. Additionally, consistency checks are conducted to ascertain that data formats, units, and structures conform to the specified requirements of the new LIMS.

Data Load

The data load step in the data migration process marks the culmination of the journey, where databases, tables, or structures of the new LIMS are populated with the extracted, transformed, and validated data from previous stages of migration. This phase represents the final bridge between the old and new systems. Through the execution of data loading procedures, the integrity and accuracy of the migrated data are preserved, ensuring that the new LIMS is equipped with a robust foundation of reliable information. Key considerations during this phase include optimizing data loading processes to minimize downtime and disruption to laboratory operations, as well as implementing mechanisms to monitor and verify data integrity post-loading.

Post-Migration Evaluation

Post-migration evaluation ensures that the migrated data aligns with expectations, meets stringent quality standards, and facilitates the effective operation of the new LIMS. This critical phase includes a comprehensive validation process to affirm migration success, preserve laboratory data integrity, and promptly address any emerging issues encountered or observed during the transition. Central to this evaluation is a data integrity check to verify the completeness and accuracy of all data transferred from the old system to the new system. Subsequently, the functionality of the new LIMS is examined to confirm its seamless operation, This is done with assessments such as user acceptance testing (UAT), performance monitoring, and validation of customizations. Custom configurations or modifications are particularly tested to ensure they enhance workflow efficiency without compromising overall system performance. A thorough post-migration evaluation instills confidence in the reliability and effectiveness of a lab’s new LIMS, resulting in improved operational efficiency and productivity.

Conclusion

As technology continues to evolve, laboratories increasingly seek more advanced LIMS solutions to streamline operations and drive innovation. Adopting these systems often requires a data migration exercise to transition from legacy platforms to modern, feature-rich LIMS. As outlined in the various steps of the LIMS data migration process, from planning to post-migration evaluation, it’s evident that data migration is a complex task that demands careful consideration and precise execution. Each stage, whether it’s data extraction, transformation, cleaning, or validation, plays a crucial role in ensuring a seamless data transfer while preserving integrity and accuracy. Moreover, the post-migration evaluation step serves as a final checkpoint, affirming migration success and validating the operational efficacy of the new LIMS. Ultimately, each step in the data migration process serves as a vital building block, fitting seamlessly together like pieces in a tangram, empowering laboratories on their digitization journey towards greater efficiency, innovation, and scientific discovery.

About CloudLIMS:

CloudLIMS.com is an ISO 9001:2015 and SOC 2-certified informatics company. Their SaaS, in-the-cloud Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), CloudLIMS, offers strong data security, complimentary technical support, instrument integration, hosting and data backups to help biorepositories, analytical, diagnostic testing and research laboratories, manage data, automate workflows, and follow regulatory compliance such as ISO/IEC 17025:2017, GLP, 21 CFR Part 11, HIPAA, ISO 20387:2018, CLIA, ISO 15189:2012, and ISBER Best Practices at zero upfront cost. Their mission is to digitally transform and empower laboratories across the globe to improve the quality of living.

About the Author

Arun Apte, CEO, CloudLIMS

Arun Apte is a serial entrepreneur and laboratory research scientist specializing in bioinformatics. He founded CloudLIMS in 2014, bringing the benefits of a SaaS LIMS to the laboratory market. This has enabled hundreds of small labs including biorepositories, clinical research and diagnostic labs, and analytical testing labs, including food & beverage, cannabis, environmental, water, and material testing labs to gain the efficiency of a LIMS previously only affordable to large laboratories. Arun is an invited speaker at conferences all over the world. Recently, he was an invited speaker at the Cannabis Quality Conference 2023.

Prior to founding CloudLIMS, he founded PREMIER Biosoft forging strategic partnerships with Thermo, Agilent, SCIEX, and other mass spectrometry instrument companies. Apte holds a B.A. in molecular and cell biology and biophysics from the University of California at Berkeley. He has published extensively on bioinformatics.

About Astrix

Astrix partners with many of the industry leaders in the informatics space to offer state of the art solutions for all of your laboratory informatics needs. Through world-class people, process, and technology, Astrix works with clients to fundamentally improve business, scientific, and medical outcomes and the quality of life everywhere. Founded by scientists to solve the unique challenges of the life science community, Astrix offers a growing array of fully integrated services designed to deliver value to clients across their organizations.

The post LIMS Data Migration: How to Ace the Journey from Planning to Post-Migration Evaluation appeared first on Astrix.

In this article, we delve into the challenges and opportunities for decarbonization in biobanking.

The Overlooked Sustainability Challenge in Biobanks

In recent decades, biobanks have experienced exponential growth, leading to a significant surge in their storage requirements. This remarkable expansion has raised environmental concerns, but surprisingly, the concept of sustainability within biobanks has not adequately incorporated environmental considerations. A 2022 study by Taylor & Francis Group revealed a lack of awareness among key stakeholders, including researchers utilizing biobank resources and digital sustainability experts. Moreover, environmental sustainability policies within biobanks are virtually non-existent despite their status as public goods and their reliance on public funding. This concerning gap in policies and discussions neglects the substantial ecological impact of biobanks, which demands thoughtful evaluation in terms of governance and overall sustainability.

Decarbonization in Biobanking: The Roadblocks

The primary hurdle in achieving decarbonization within biobanking closely relates to the task of cutting down energy usage. Most biobanks rely on electricity-powered ultracold freezers; consequently, the central concern is about reducing the electric energy consumption of deep freezers, such as those operating continuously at approximately -80°C.

Another energy-intensive aspect of biobanking pertains to the utilization of liquid nitrogen (LN2). The rationale behind opting for LN2 instead of electricity for long-term storage of biological samples lies in its capacity to achieve lower temperatures, creating a highly stable ultralow-temperature environment. However, the challenge lies in the limited availability of information regarding energy consumption specifically related to regular LN2 usage, although other aspects of LN2 consumption, such as its safety for staff in terms of occupational accidents, are well-documented. To effectively plan, execute, and assess decarbonization efforts in biobanking, it is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the LN2 scenario within the industry.

The challenges faced by Low-and-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) are distinct from those in High-Income Countries (HICs) because LMICs generally have less well-equipped facilities. Cost considerations drive their preferences, and acquiring high-quality deep freezers poses a significant financial challenge for LMIC biobanks. Low-cost freezers that consume more electricity and release more heat are the norm in these countries. These low-cost freezers often do not comply with CFC/hydrochlorofluorocarbon (CFC/HCFC) regulations and do not use environmentally friendly reagents.

Opportunities for Decarbonization in Biobanking in LMICs and HICs

LMIC biobanks can pursue decarbonization despite the obstacles they face. Implementing intelligent strategies and adopting behavioral changes can promote eco-conscious practices. For instance, implementing a just-in-time model can effectively decrease the need for long-term sample storage in LMIC biobanks. This approach enables these biobanks to focus on prospective collections and short-term storage while actively collaborating with stakeholders to fulfill their specific needs. Another frugal way to support decarbonization involves using applications that enable the pooling of samples from various locations by a single individual or vehicle. LMIC biobanks may also explore the adoption of diverse supplementary actions. These could entail the use of energy-saving office lighting, optimizing heating and cooling systems, promoting a paperless environment within the biobank, and incorporating an energy star rating as a purchasing criterion for equipment to encourage manufacturers to prioritize energy-efficient designs for future equipment.

HICs, on the other hand, have the capability to embrace advanced technologies that offer higher energy and LN2 efficiency. These technologies should undergo rigorous testing and, upon successful validation, must be gradually integrated into existing biobanking facilities and networks. Additionally, HICs need to develop methods that enable the storage of larger quantities of samples at room temperature, effectively reducing the heating and cooling requirements for equipment.

Figure 1: A diagrammatical depiction of the decarbonization opportunities in biobanking (Figure courtesy of CloudLIMS).

How Can Biobank Software Help Decarbonize Biobanks?

A biobanking LIMS can help biobanks mitigate their environmental impact. First and foremost, it eliminates the need for paper-based records and documentation. This transition to digital documentation decreases reliance on paper, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with paper production, transportation, and disposal. With the adoption of digital documentation and biobank software, biobanks can effectively minimize their ecological footprint while simultaneously enhancing the record-keeping efficiency of biobanks. Furthermore, employing biobank software that operates on the public cloud, such as AWS and Google Cloud, enables multi-tenancy and sharing of resources across various users, promoting seamless real-time collaboration and diminishing individual carbon footprints.

Figure 2: A biobanking LIMS to manage samples and associated metadata digitally (Figure courtesy of CloudLIMS).

Conclusion

Despite the increasing awareness and actions taken to reduce carbon footprints in other sectors, the conversation about environmental sustainability in biobanking remains relatively absent. As the world strives to address the environmental challenges and transitions towards a sustainable future, it is crucial for the biobanking community to actively engage in discussions about adopting greener practices, optimizing energy consumption, and exploring eco-friendly alternatives without compromising the integrity and preservation of valuable samples. There’s no denying that challenges exist, especially in LMICs, where decarbonization might entail additional financial costs they may not be able to afford. However, with some ingenuity and behavioral and operational changes, and embracing a cloud-based biobank software and going paperless, LMICs can also work towards decarbonization. Embracing sustainable practices and adopting innovative technologies are essential steps in ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for biobanks. By embracing sustainability in biobanking, the industry can not only contribute to the broader global decarbonization efforts but also ensure the long-term viability and societal benefits of these invaluable repositories of biological resources.

About CloudLIMS:

CloudLIMS.com is an ISO 9001:2015 and SOC 2-certified informatics company. Their SaaS, in-the-cloud Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), CloudLIMS, offers strong data security, complimentary technical support, instrument integration, hosting and data backups to help biorepositories, analytical, diagnostic testing and research laboratories, manage data, automate workflows, and follow regulatory compliance such as ISO/IEC 17025:2017, GLP, 21 CFR Part 11, HIPAA, ISO 20387:2018, CLIA, ISO 15189:2012, and ISBER Best Practices at zero upfront cost. Their mission is to digitally transform and empower laboratories across the globe to improve the quality of living.

About Astrix:

Astrix partners with many of the industry leaders in the informatics space to offer state of the art solutions for all of your laboratory informatics needs. Through world-class people, process, and technology, Astrix works with clients to fundamentally improve business, scientific, and medical outcomes and the quality of life everywhere. Founded by scientists to solve the unique challenges of the life science community, Astrix offers a growing array of fully integrated services designed to deliver value to clients across their organizations.

About The Author:

Montserrat Valdes is a highly skilled chemical engineer with a diverse background in research and industry. She holds a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and an Analytical Chemistry Diploma from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Currently, Montserrat is working with CloudLIMS.com as a Scientist.

Montserrat is an experienced chemist with expertise in the analysis of cannabis and nicotine-containing products. As a QC Chemist and Analytical Chemist, she has conducted numerous accredited testing methods to ensure the quality and compliance of cannabis products. Her experience also includes validating analytical testing methods and operating, calibrating, and troubleshooting a variety of analytical instruments, including HPLC-FLD/DAD/VWD, IC, and LC-MS.

In addition to her work as a chemist, Montserrat has also served as a Research Engineer, successfully coordinating various environmental projects of great importance. These projects include the simultaneous capture of NH3 and H2S using nanoparticles, the biodegradation of surrogate naphthenic acids, and the adsorptive removal of antibiotics from livestock waste streams.

Montserrat has also made significant contributions to scientific literature through her research articles and conference presentations. Her publications in journals such as the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering and Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering highlight her expertise in topics ranging from nanotechnology applications to biodegradation and wastewater treatment.

The post Green Tech for Greener Biobanking: How Biobank Software Leads the Decarbonization Drive appeared first on Astrix.

The legalization of cannabis in different states in the US has resulted in a rapid expansion of the industry. It is predicted that the regulated cannabis industry will reach $82.3 billion by 2027. The primary factors contributing to the growth of the cannabis industry are the increasing acceptance and legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. This trend is expected to continue as more states realize the potential advantages of legalizing cannabis, including generating more tax revenue, creating job opportunities, and providing medical benefits. The legalization of cannabis has also stimulated new research and development, leading to innovative new products. The expansion of this industry is being propelled by the growing popularity of cannabis commodities, such as edibles, oils, and tinctures, among consumers. This has resulted in a wide range of opportunities for both entrepreneurs and investors. Thus, we are observing the emergence of various cannabis-related enterprises, which include those engaged in the growing, processing, testing, and distribution of cannabis products, as well as those providing legal, financial, and consulting services.

The industry has a lot going for it. Nevertheless, despite the early successes, it has experienced some obstacles, one of which gained attention in 2022 – the problem of THC inflation. The issue has caused extensive laboratory shopping as cultivators strive to acquire the greatest THC concentrations in their products.

THC Inflation, Lab Shopping, and the Vicious Cycle

THC inflation refers to the act of falsely elevating THC levels in a sample to show a greater THC concentration than what actually exists. Strains with less than 10% THC are classified as low THC strains, while those with over 20% THC are considered high THC strains.

As a result of THC inflation, the lab shopping trend has emerged, in which unethical producers search for laboratories that falsely enhance THC levels. This activity has become so common that certain labs openly promote their services based on the high THC numbers.

Many people who use cannabis believe that products containing higher levels of THC always produce stronger effects. However, this is a mistaken belief, as the potency of a cannabis product cannot be determined solely by its THC content. The misconception has contributed to an exponential increase in demand for high-THC products. As a result, consumers are willing to pay more for these products. The emphasis on high-THC goods has given rise to fraudulent laboratories that deliberately inflate THC levels. Unethical producers are attracted to these laboratories, while ethical ones experience a decline in their business. This practice brakes consumer trust and undermines the industry’s credibility. If labs continue to allow the labeling of products with falsely high potency, customers will lose faith in the regulated market.

Breaking the Cycle: Addressing the Twin Trends of THC Inflation and Lab Shopping

The absence of standardized testing procedures in the industry is leading to mounting concerns about THC potency inflation. This is due to variations in the methodologies and equipment used by different labs, resulting in inconsistent test results. Unethical labs take advantage of this and report exaggerated THC levels. Moreover, the scope for manual intervention allows dishonest labs to manipulate results and deceive regulatory agencies.

Some of the ways to control THC inflation are outlined below:

• It is crucial to establish a universal testing standard within the industry.
• The same samples should be analyzed by multiple labs, and any anomalies should be recognized. States should then promptly act against labs that report inflated THC numbers knowingly.
• It is important to eliminate the motivation for inflating THC potency. This can be achieved through various measures such as promoting transparency among labs, conducting regular audits by state regulatory bodies to detect any data inconsistencies or inaccuracies, and hiring expert data scientists by state agencies. This, in turn, will boost consumers’ confidence in the regulated market.
• It is also essential to dispel the incorrect belief that higher THC levels are the only reliable indicator of potency. Raising awareness and promoting effective communication in this regard would help tackle the problem of THC potency, thereby reducing the occurrence of lab shopping.
• Lastly, laboratories must obtain accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 to demonstrate their proficiency in generating reliable results.

Image 1: A diagrammatical depiction of diverse strategies aimed at controlling the prevalence of THC inflation and lab shopping in the cannabis industry (Figure courtesy CloudLIMS)

Why Cannabis Lab Testing Software?

A Laboratory Information Management System(LIMS), also known as cannabis lab testing software, can assist in fulfilling the ISO 17025 requirements effortlessly, which can increase the level of trust and assurance in the precision of the laboratory’s test results.

The adoption of cannabis lab testing software can be a game-changer. By integrating analytical instruments and ensuring strict adherence to quality standards, cannabis lab testing software automates processes, thus minimizing the potential for human error in test results. And that’s not all. With cannabis lab testing software, reports can be generated with a scannable QR code, which can be easily shared with customers in real-time. This QR code can also be configured to lead to the original CoA generated by the lab, allowing consumers to verify the composition of the product they’re purchasing. This not only fosters transparency but also instills greater trust and confidence in the products customers consume.

Cannabis lab testing software ensures the authenticity and reliability of laboratory data. The system leaves no room for manual manipulation. It tracks and records every laboratory activity with utmost precision, from staff login activities to changes in documents, sample records, and test results. Maintaining high-quality standards is paramount to establishing the credibility of results, and cannabis lab testing software helps accomplish it. It effectively manages QC sample results and identifies analytical errors by comparing them with the test samples, providing an added level of trust in the lab’s results.

Image 2: A cannabis lab testing software to record all laboratory activities with a date and time stamp (Figure courtesy CloudLIMS)

Conclusion

The legalization of cannabis in most US states has led to a rapidly expanding industry. However, the industry has faced obstacles, including the issue of THC inflation and biased selection of labs, which undermine the credibility of the regulated cannabis market. The absence of standardized testing procedures and the variation in methodologies and equipment used by different labs are gaps that corrupt labs have taken advantage of. To address these issues, it is crucial to establish a universal testing standard, enhance transparency among labs, and state agencies must conduct regular audits and recruit skilled data scientists. The adoption of a LIMS by cannabis testing labs can assist in fulfilling the ISO 17025 requirements, thus increasing the level of trust and assurance in the accuracy of the laboratory’s results. With the right measures in place, the cannabis industry can continue to grow and thrive, providing medical benefits and job opportunities, and generating more tax revenue.

About Astrix

Astrix is the unrivaled market leader in creating & delivering innovative strategies, technology solutions, and people to the life science community. Through world-class people, process, and technology, Astrix works with clients to fundamentally improve business, scientific, and medical outcomes and the quality of life everywhere. Founded by scientists to solve the unique challenges of the life science community, Astrix offers a growing array of fully integrated services designed to deliver value to clients across their organizations. To learn the latest about how Astrix is transforming the way science-based businesses succeed today, visit www.astrixinc.com.

About the Author

Montserrat Valdes is a highly skilled chemical engineer with a diverse background in research and industry. She holds a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and an Analytical Chemistry Diploma from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Currently, Montserrat is working with CloudLIMS.com as a Scientist.

Montserrat is an experienced chemist with expertise in the analysis of cannabis and nicotine-containing products. As a QC Chemist and Analytical Chemist, she has conducted numerous accredited testing methods to ensure the quality and compliance of cannabis products. Her experience also includes validating analytical testing methods and operating, calibrating, and troubleshooting a variety of analytical instruments, including HPLC-FLD/DAD/VWD, IC, and LC-MS.
In addition to her work as a chemist, Montserrat has also served as a Research Engineer, successfully coordinating various environmental projects of great importance. These projects include the simultaneous capture of NH3 and H2S using nanoparticles, the biodegradation of surrogate naphthenic acids, and the adsorptive removal of antibiotics from livestock waste streams.

Montserrat has also made significant contributions to scientific literature through her research articles and conference presentations. Her publications in journals such as the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering and Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering highlight her expertise in topics ranging from nanotechnology applications to biodegradation and wastewater treatment.

The post Breaking the Cycle: Effective Strategies for Cannabis Testing Labs and Regulators to Address THC Inflation and Lab Shopping appeared first on Astrix.