Two ways that the laboratory information is stored is manual and computer based. Manual type of information is when it is written by the person who is writing about laboratory based information. Manual information is stored on paper and so it can be put in archive where it can then be accessed by laboratory worker who needs specific information about laboratory whether it is for report records or scientific data. On the other hand computer based information is when it is typed up on the computer and stored on hard drive of the computer. It can be accessed by finding the wanted file on the hard drive and use the information for laboratory purposes.
Advantages of manual storage is that it is a physical copy therefore it is better than computer based copy as it is more reliable. Secondly, manual data cannot get corrupted which means that the information is less likely to get damaged. Also it is less likely for the data to get lost as it will be put in archive and stored then when the file is needed laboratory worker can access it by going into the room where data is stored and then use the file for the purpose needed. Disadvantages of manual storage is that not everyone can understand the writing of the person that wrote about the laboratory information. Secondly, even though it is stored in the archive it can still get lost as it is wrote on paper and paper can get easily lost and damaged if not stored at the right place. To add on it can get damaged such as get ripped and therefore data can get lost which can affect the work of the laboratory.
Advantages of computer based storage is that it is not going to take physical space as data is being put into the computer’s hard drive, therefore the space for computer storage is much smaller than for paper storage which requires physical space such as archive room to store laboratory data. Secondly, computer based storage is less likely to cause fires as all of the data is being stored into the computer therefore there is not going to be lots of paper which can cause fires. Also, records of data can be searched for quicker than looking through all of the archives, as in computer it is only needed to type in the data that is needed and the computer finds it and so the person needing the data can access it. Disadvantages of the computer based storage is that when there is no electricity the computer cannot operate, for example if electricity is gone and important data needs to be accessed, it is not possible as the computer which contains that data cannot operate without the electricity and this can cause issues in the laboratory. Secondly, files can get lost or get infected with virus which can damage the file and therefore the file that is needed no longer can be accessible, however if regular backups are made it can prevent this from happening but it can be time consuming.
For security reasons computer based information is better as the files can be put under password where only people who know the password and are allowed to access the files can use the computer. Also for health and safety reasons computer based information is also better way of storing laboratory information as it can cause less accidents such as fires. Manual information of course can also be safely stored under key when put in storage room however it is more likely that unpermitted personnel can access data than when stored on computer.