What is SHAPTH?

SHAPTH is a data format standardized throughout Germany for (drinking) water analyses. It enables accredited testing facilities—that is, laboratories—to transmit their results to clients or directly to health authorities more effectively and securely than with the previously used interface formats such as TEIS, Twistweb, and others.

Specifically, it features a modern method of data transfer via REST API, built-in plausibility checks, and immediate confirmation of data receipt.

In addition to water utilities, laboratories, and public health departments, state and federal agencies are also involved; the new standard enables them to more effectively obtain and analyze the data. Learn more on the official SHAPTH standard website.

Benefits for Laboratories

• Uniform Format: No more dealing with different formats such as LabDüs, NiWaDaB, Octoware, SEBAM, TEIS, or TWISTweb. With SHAPTH, there is a single standardized format for all federal states.
• Modern Data Transmission: Results can be sent directly and without detours (e.g., via email and file attachments) to the appropriate agencies.
• Online Tool: If your LIMS does not offer a SHAPTH interface, you can also enter the data manually.
• Validation checks: Minimize errors through automatic data validation—just as you’re accustomed to in your lab.
• Time and cost savings: Less manual effort and a reduced error rate.

SHAPTH Interface & LIMS

All relevant information, such as sampling plans, sampling points, reports, and analytical values, is managed in your Laboratory Information and Management System (LIMS). A powerful LIMS can not only organize this data efficiently but also provide the information required for mandatory reports and verify successful receipt by the authorities.

Benefits of LIMS Integration

• Automated reporting: Generation of reports in accordance with SHAPTH requirements directly from the LIMS.
• Seamless data transfer: Direct transmission of data to clients and regulatory authorities without additional interfaces.
• Proof of delivery: Tracking and documentation of successful receipt by the relevant authorities.
• Enhanced data security: Secure data exchange in compliance with current data protection regulations.

Labordatenbank is

actively

involved in SHAPTH development

Our LIMS experts, Caroline and Miriam, played an active role on the SHAPTH expert committee. Thanks to their expertise, we ensure that the needs of laboratories are incorporated into the design of SHAPTH and implemented in a practical manner.

What does this mean for your lab?

With SHAPTH and the corresponding LIMS integration, you can significantly simplify data exchange while improving the quality of your data transmission. The tedious process of adapting to various state formats is eliminated, and thanks to the integrated online tool with plausibility checks, you can significantly reduce the risk of errors.

Labordatenbank LIMS Supports SHAPTH

As a LIMS provider with a strong focus on accredited environmental laboratories, we offer seamless integration of SHAPTH into Labordatenbank LIMS.

The LIMS lists all reportable data and—once you approve it—transmits it securely and automatically to the designated recipients. Furthermore, receipt by the authorities is documented and fully recorded in the audit trail.

With our LIMS experts Caroline Nolten and Miriam Weyden—both of whom are active members of the SHAPTH expert committee—you have two points of contact for your questions.