Wildlife Health Diagnostic Database (LIMS)

The LIMS (laboratory information management system) database is a computerized record of specimens - from serum samples to carcasses - sent to the National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) for processing and diagnostic workup. Data include history and recordkeeping information (identifier numbers, species, sex, submitter information, etc); types of tests run (virology, bacteriology, parasitology, chemistry, etc.) and some test results for heavy metals, particularly lead; and diagnostic results. The diagnostic coding system is based on SNOMED terminology, with certain modifications and additions to fit Center needs. SNOMED, the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine, is a structured nomenclature and classification of the terminology used in human and veterinary medicine. Terms are assigned in any or all of the following six categories for each diagnosis: topography - detailed anatomic term for the site of interest; morphology - information on the pathogenic change or process associated with the topography; etiology - cause or causal agent of the disease or dysfunction; disease - disease, disease entity or syndrome; link - qualifier to link one diagnosis to another.