The Premier Animal Study Automation Software Suite
Q: Can data be exported into a third party software package?
A: Yes. Study data can be one-click exported to a number of third party software packages, including MS Excel, TIBCO Spotfire, GraphPad Prism, SigmaPlot, and other data analysis packages for sophisticated data mining and graphing capability
Q: Can hardware be integrated into LABCAT for electronic data capture?
A: Yes, LABCAT integrates seamlessly with electronic calipers, scales, chip readers and foot pedals, allowing data entry to be virtually hands-free.
Q: Can LABCAT collect custom data types that aren’t built into the system?
A: Yes: during protocol creation, you can design a custom task which will allow you to collect alpha-numeric or just numeric data for which LABCAT doesn’t already have a built-in task.
These custom tasks will appear in your task list during data acquisition, allowing you to input data for these alongside the other built in tasks you’ve selected.
Q: Can users have unique logins and passwords?
A: Yes. All users can have unique usernames and passwords. For added security, user settings and study access within LABCAT can be completely customized for each individual user.
Q: Can a user schedule data collection tasks in LABCAT?
A: Yes. LABCAT comes with an optional scheduling system that allows the user to schedule dosing, measurement and data collection tasks for specific dates and times.
Schedules can be made for specific study phases, experimental groups or even individual animals.
All users assigned to a study can view a shared calendar which details which tasks have been completed and which still remain.
Q: Can LABCAT be used to run a staggered start protocol, where individual animals can begin study phases at different times?
A: Yes, LABCAT supports staggered start protocols by allowing the user to select individual study phase start dates for each animal. LABCAT will keep track of the study day for each animal and schedule data collection tasks accordingly.
Q: How is data stored within LABCAT?
A: All data in LABCAT is saved in a common SQL server database, supporting secure data organization and accessibility.
There are dozens of built in reports within LABCAT to view, graph, and statistically analyze study data stored in the database. The database can also be mined with custom queries using the Ad Hoc Reporting feature incorporated in the Report Manager Utility.
Q: Can you blind technicians to previous observations or conditions with LABCAT?
A: There are a couple of approaches you can take for the purpose of blinding in LABCAT modules—dictionary entries for items like drug names can be edited during the course of a study. For example, details within a dictionary entry for a hypothetical “Test Drug A” can be deliberately left empty until after dosing and data collection. These details about the drug can then be input and saved after data collection, allowing the user to run reports “unblinded.”
Q: Can LABCAT be used for image organization and analysis?
A: Yes. Images can be assigned to individual animal IDs, clinical observations or data points within LABCAT to organize visual results. Images can be annotated, edited and analyzed within LABCAT. Image capture from digital cameras and mobile phones can be added easily.
Q: Can multiple users log in to LABCAT at the same time?
A: Yes, LABCAT features concurrent user licensing, allowing as many users to log in simultaneously as an institution has licenses.
The Report Manager Utility license allows a user to access the database and reporting options without taking up a full license “seat.”
