Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
07:52
Cryo-Electron Microscopy Screening Automation Across Multiple Grids Using Smart Leginon
Published on: December 1, 2023
Screensaver: an open source lab information management system (LIMS) for high throughput screening facilities
Andrew N Tolopko1, John P Sullivan, Sean D Erickson
1ICCB-Longwood/NSRB Screening Facility, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. andrew_tolopko@hms.harvard.edu
BMC Bioinformatics
|May 21, 2010
Summary
Screensaver is a new, free, open-source lab information management system designed for shared high throughput screening (HTS) facilities. It manages data and administrative tasks for both small molecule and RNAi screening projects.
Area of Science:
- Bioinformatics
- Laboratory Informatics
- Drug Discovery Informatics
Background:
- Shared high throughput screening (HTS) facilities are increasingly common in academic research.
- These facilities require specialized informatics infrastructure for data management and administrative tasks.
- Managing multiple, concurrent screening projects presents unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a comprehensive informatics solution for shared HTS facilities.
- To address the need for integrated data storage and analysis for diverse screening types.
- To streamline administrative and technical workflows in HTS operations.
Main Methods:
- Development of Screensaver, a web-based lab information management system (LIMS).
- Implementation of features for storing and comparing screening data sets.
- Inclusion of modules for managing screens, personnel, libraries, and work requests.
Main Results:
- Screensaver provides a unified platform for managing small molecule and genome-scale RNAi screening data.
- The system facilitates data storage, comparison, and administrative oversight.
- It is designed to handle the complexities of interleaved screening efforts from multiple research groups.
Conclusions:
- A single, integrated, web-accessible application like Screensaver can effectively manage HTS facility needs.
- Screensaver has demonstrated utility in a major HTS facility and offers benefits to others.
- This LIMS supports both the informatics and administrative requirements of modern HTS operations.
