What are the benefits of an electronic lab notebook (eln)?
The electronic lab book facilitates the documentation of experiments, since digitally presented results, can be integrated directly into the records. Projects can be shared with colleagues, or be worked on alone. By means of a full-text search, filter and the possibility of indexing, it is easy to find related entries, even years after the actual experiments. For recurring workflows, templates can be created to save time in documenting the results.
Who can use the eln?
The offer is directed at all interested work groups and individual users in the BIH, Charité and MDC.
What solution does BIH use?
The BIH QUEST Center for Responsible Research at the BIH has opted for labfolder, the browser-based, electronic laborbuch software from Labforward GmbH. For general information about Labfolder, visit https://www.labfolder.com/de.
How can I be part of it?
Interested work groups can apply for access to the Electronic Laboratory Book as seen above. Further information on registration and the difference between group and individual see above. Single user accesses can be created here.
Are there any license fees the groups have to pay?
No, using the electronic lab notebook at the BIH is free of charges for the workgroups.
Is the use of labfolder mandatory?
No, the use of labfolder - including training and support - is only an offer. The use of paper lab books is also possible as well as the use of other electronic lab notebook solutions as long as they meet the requirements of Good Scientific Practice (GCP), the corresponding DIN ISO regulations and the 21CFR11 of the FDA.
Can results from clinical studies, which may include personal data, e.g. patient data, also be documented in the eln?
No, the electronic lab book can only be used to document the results of laboratory research. Personal data cannot be recorded here. An extension of the existing regulation is currently under consideration.
Are my research data stored in the electronic laboratory book safe?
labfolder is run on BIH's own servers. Their availability is well over 99%. Research data will never leave this protected area. The data is kept on redundant storages which are saved daily. Access to the data is only possible for registered users. Within the eln, each workgroup has its own, closed area, in which projects can be shared with individual group members or the whole group. The creator of the respective project decides for which projects this should be the case.
Who owns the data that is documented in labfolder?
As with the paper lab books, the data belong to the institution at which the researcher is employed.
Is there a way to retrieve a copy of my data from the electronic laboratory book?
The entries and all files can be exported at any time. The XHTML formats PDF are available for this purpose.
Are there interfaces between labfolder and the laboratory information systems (LIMS) at BIH? (LIMS) am BIH?
Not so far, however, interfaces are conceivable and planned. For further questions concerning LIMS, please contact the IT department at BIH.