What Is Laboratory Information System Software?

A Laboratory Information System (LIS) is a software solution that facilitates the processing, storage, and management of medical data. This includes medical and diagnostic processes and test procedures and results. The automation of these procedures improves workflow efficiency and productivity and reduces the risk of error. Standard LIS functionality includes:

• Patient management
• Patient information tracking
• Lab test orders
• Quality assurance and control
• Workflow optimization
• Creation of analytical reports
• Medical billing

In this article, we will outline the differences between a LIMS and a LIS and also explain the functions and benefits of a LIS.

LIS vs. LIMS

The terms Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) are often mistakenly used interchangeably. However, there are significant differences between the two systems and their uses.

The main distinction is that a LIS is used within a healthcare provider setting, such as a hospital, to manage diagnostics. The use of a LIMS, on the other hand, is typically associated with analytical testing within a lab. For example, tests and experiments that are associated with research in the fields of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environmental control, and food and chemical manufacturing.

Whatever type of clinical lab they are used in, LIS and LIMS do have several things in common. For example, they both automate and optimize workflow, manage inventory of samples, and produce test results. The most important factor to consider when deciding whether your lab needs a LIS or a LIMS is who you use your lab results within your clinical setting.

Benefits of LIS Software

LIS software has numerous benefits for clinical labs specifically related to healthcare. Suppose your clinical laboratory specializes in diagnostic lab testing for patients, in fields such as immunology, microbiology, anatomic pathology, or toxicology. In that case, a lab information system can have a number of 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 the creation of a barcoded label for the sample so that it can be identified correctly 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 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 the allocation of 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, this can cause serious patient issues, even fatalities. When lab devices and procedures are integrated on a single LIS platform, not only does this reduce hours of manual labor, it also significantly reduces the risk of human error.

Better workflow management

As we touched on above, because LIS software modules automate laboratory processes, they eliminate manual data entry. This allows for the interface of patient information 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 the complexities of quality control and compliance within a clinical lab setting.

Improved patient data tracking

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. What’s more, the information can be accessed from anywhere, whether it involves details about a recent test or a patient’s whereabouts in the healthcare system while also keeping you HIPPA compliant.

Streamlined lab test ordering

Sending samples for lab testing and tracking and organizing test results involves complex procedures. A LIS can streamline lab test ordering in two critical ways. These include:

• Connectivity: You can stay abreast with the samples with each step of the testing procedure, thanks to LIS connectivity. 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. It can also ensure conformity to CLIA.

Upgraded quality control

Quality control is vital in any lab to detect errors and correct them before they travel too far down the line and affect the whole laboratory process. Quality control also prevents errors from being repeated. In order for lab teams to detect errors effectively and efficiently, a LIS can give your clinical setting peace of mind by automating your quality control process.

You can use LIS data management to log all your quality control assessments, tests, and reports. This will help with regulatory compliance and provide decision support to all end users. A LIS also allows all quality control informatics to be shared with the team members who need it, as and when it is required.

What About Laboratory Information Management Systems?

A LIMS is a database, and then some. The most helpful LIMS have three main functions, these are:

• Storage organization
• Sample tracking
• Protocol execution

However, superior LIMS also have optional add-ons that can improve your team's workflow, accuracy, and efficiency even more. These may include a customizable virtual freezer, automated data entry, an intuitive search bar, and a user-friendly dashboard that can be accessed by any of your team members wherever they are.

LIMS are already being used to automate many fields, including:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Anatomic Pathology
• Hematology
• Toxicology

Improve Your Lab’s Workflow with a LIMS from Genemod

If you need a little more assistance than a LIS can offer, Genemod has a range of software solutions to make your lab run more efficiently and cost-effectively. Whether you’re looking for a LIMS, a collaboration solution, or superior lab automation, Genemod’s software is designed with superior interoperability, which allows your team to share lab testing data and conduct sample tracking data in real-time wherever they are.

The best clinical laboratories throughout the U.S.A are already implementing Genemod software. If you want to find out how to raise intelligence across all your laboratory systems, contact us today