A Laboratory Information System (LIS) is a software solution designed to facilitates medical data processing, storage, and management. This includes medical and diagnostic processes, test procedures, and results. Automating these procedures improves workflow efficiency and productivity and reduces the risk of error. Standard LIS functionality includes these components:
The main distinction is that a LIS is used within a healthcare provider setting, such as a hospital, to manage diagnostics.
LIS software has numerous benefits for labs specifically related to healthcare. Suppose your clinical laboratory specializes in diagnostic lab testing for patients, in immunology, microbiology, anatomic pathology, or toxicology. In that case, a lab information system can have several benefits, including:
Sample tracking: LIS software usually incorporates a workflow manager that can track samples in real-time from the moment the sample is collected. The tracking process begins with creating a barcoded label for the sample for correct identification through each stage of the analytical process.
Time-saving: Sample transference between centers is one of the most time-consuming parts of the procedure because of processing and re-registration protocols. A well-developed LIS will have a tracking model that can simplify this procedure and prevent the loss and misidentification of samples.
Logistics management: LIS software improves the efficiency of logistics management by assigning a unique barcode to each sample. This enables allocating necessary resources before the sample reaches the lab for processing. It can also help to update and maintain electronic health records (EHR) throughout the healthcare system.
Error elimination: If samples become lost or misidentified, or results are delayed, it can cause serious patient issues, even fatalities. When lab devices and procedures are integrated into a single LIS platform, not only does this reduce hours of manual labor, but also significantly reduces the risk of human error.
As we mentioned above, because LIS software modules automate laboratory processes, they eliminate manual data entry. This allows for patient information interface and test ordering with a healthcare provider’s EHR/EMR system. In this way, LIS software systems speed up the pre-analytic workflow.
Workflow efficiency and error elimination are vital for optimal patient care in today’s complex healthcare arena. A dedicated LIS software solution can help your team manage quality control and compliance complexities within a clinical lab setting.
These days, healthcare data is generated over a wide range of clinical sources. Keeping this information integrated efficiently can be a serious challenge. Meeting this challenge requires efficient communication between patients and their physicians and a software solution that can collate, maintain, store, and allow sharing of vital patient information. This is where a LIS comes into its own.
It can improve patient data tracking and allow access to each patient’s medical history from a single source. A LIS also increases the quality of patient care and enables lab technicians to develop deeper insights into specific medical conditions. The information can be accessed from anywhere, whether it involves details about a recent test or patient’s whereabouts in the healthcare system while keeping you HIPPA compliant.
Sending samples for lab testing, tracking and organizing test results involves complex procedures. A LIS can streamline lab test ordering in two critical ways. These include:
Connectivity: Thanks to LIS connectivity, you can stay abreast with the samples at each step of the testing procedure. Samples won’t get lost, and results will arrive on time.
Validation: Labs implement a validation process to ensure that all laboratory test results are accurate and precise. A LIS can streamline test ordering by maintaining consistency throughout the ordering process.
