Sample Management, sometimes referred to as ‘Compound Management’, is a key critical method in the drug discovery process for Bio-tech or Pharmaceutical companies. Compounds will normally be stored in small containers and categorized according the shelf life, quantity, purity and other parameters, labeled with a bar-code according. The database for these compounds can then become available as a computerized library, important for keeping a close eye on the quality of samples.

Sample Management programs have controlled environments to store the compounds or chemicals. Quality and shelf life of samples are monitored in storage banks to detect any changes; the database in which these samples are stored on (normally biological or compound samples) is renewable and easily up-datable, designed to account for every sample in the inventory and easily allow monitoring of the samples. The environment for these samples must also be closely monitored with the samples themselves.

Sample Management often uses robotics for sample retrieval, quality control and database management. Due to the highly controlled nature of the environment in which samples are stored in, robotics pose less risk of disturbing the environment quality and less risk of contamination should any particularly harmful samples be stored. The management of these compounds often requires a significantly advanced database technology.

Accuracy is crucial to Sample Management. Bar-code errors, inventory errors and other human mistakes can be drastically reduced by the use of automated robotics. Robotics also increases the efficiency of a task, compared to human staff who could also be used for other important duties an automated machine could not do.

Sample Management utilizes chemistry, robotics, biology, and database management to retain accurate inventory counts and quality samples. Some companies often have Sample Management plans that account for over a million different compounds; this is why Sample Management must be closely monitored for accuracy, quality and environmental conditions, to ensure that samples are useful and easily retrieval with quick, accurate database information.

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