Dael, Sophia Luisa V.

MT 14 LEC- BB

Laboratory Information System or LIS is a management software that focuses on processing and archiving data for use in all phases of medical procedures and examinations. It is software that receives, processes, and stores information generated by the laboratory workflow. It streamlines the flow of all data pertaining to the entire testing process.

The software facilitates laboratories to enhance patient care, lower operational costs, and mitigate human error by standardizing tests, procedures, and workflows. Electronic requests, barcoded samples, the prevention of identification errors, bidirectional interfaces that replace redundant data entry steps, the automatic transfer of QC data, results that are electronically validated and automatically archived in databases, the electronic transfer of billing information, and many other features are made possible by LIS.

Laboratory information systems are now required for every lab to enhance decision-making and produce better therapeutic and diagnostic outcomes. It allows communication between laboratory and clinicians and enables faster delivery of patient reports. Indeed, implementing LIS in laboratories has a multifaceted impact on enhancing the conveyance of laboratory services. However, there are certain drawbacks of LIS, which could be more cost-efficient, the complexity in operating, customization per laboratory, data security, and limited compatibility.

Indeed, there are drawbacks, but there are also benefits of laboratory information systems, mainly for the laboratory personnel and patients. Patient benefit is knowing the status of their laboratory test, having a digital copy of their test result, and reducing the risk of duplication of test samples and misidentification. For the laboratory personnel, it increases productivity, decreases miscommunication, makes easier identification and management of patient information, obtains the history of the patient, concise file report, and focuses time on manual work of the laboratory samples.

To properly function, the LIS requires three main components that ensure synchronized and proper work. First is tracking samples, which is the main component of the LIS since the samples are the most valuable possession in the clinical laboratory. It contains information in software such as a unique ID, patient name, department, sample type, date/batch number, and volume. Sample barcodes and electronic format both assist in getting the sample to its analysis location and tracking sample progression. A sample tracker ensures adequate sample processing and analysis by producing succinct results of all tests conducted from the sample in a single document.

The second is implementing the protocol, which implements protocols, steps, processes, and procedures to enhance laboratory workflow. It produces standard operating procedures (SOP), digitizes steps, and ensures consistency in sample processing. LIS offers a rigid protocol for quality checks and visibility based on authorization. Additionally, it generates succinct results, adds them to the approval queue, and distributes them in accordance with specifications, guaranteeing consistency among various laboratory staff.

The last component is managing sample storage, where to store the sample for use in the future correctly. The samples are grouped by batch number or date of collection. The batch is put in the same box, shelf rack, or container. The system tracks the freezer or location where the frame is placed in addition to the shelf rack. In a busy laboratory, they find samples quickly and maintain a productive work environment depending on the storage hierarchy.

LIS has a workflow that logs in to the software for accessing the sample, sample tracking using barcode/ID number/date, and chemical and reagent inventory. Logging in to the software implies logging in to the test sample and monitoring the sample after checking the list. Without LIS and technology modernization, there is no proper workflow in the laboratory, which aids in appropriate decision-making and even achieves better treatment and diagnostic results.