Uni-directional interfaces are the simplest form of data transfer, typically defined as acquiring data from the instrument and reporting it to LIMS. This type of interface usually requires additional information (such as the sample identifiers) to be entered at the instrument or interface level, before committing the results to LIMS.

Bi-directional interfaces are more intricate, as they involve the movement of information back and forth between LIMS, the interface and the instrument. A typical bi-directional interface would involve querying LIMS for a list of pending samples for a certain test. After collecting this list of samples, the interface would deliver the work list to the instrument. After analysis, the data is collected by the interface and reported back to LIMS. Bi-directional interfaces reduce the analyst’s workload by eliminating the need to manually create sample work lists or sequences.