Laboratory Information System (LIS)

A Laboratory Information System (LIS), otherwise called a Laboratory Management System, is a system that supports laboratory processes in our modern health industry.
Laboratory Information System (LIS) is a type of computer software or computer application that has the main task of processing, storing, and managing data of patients that are related to laboratory processes and testing. It is commonly used by laboratory professionals to improve the workflow as well as the quality control of inpatient and outpatient medical testing such as hematology, immunology, microbiology, toxicology, and more. This system also helps to track, store, and update details of a particular patient and stores its information in its database for future reference. And most importantly, Laboratory Information System (LIS) software minimizes the amount of human resources which is necessary to complete a specific order and increases the accuracy of testing in different departments.
Since it’s already given that it is a computer software and has a function to perform, it also has its major components to manage data and information properly. A good Laboratory Information System has the following components: (1) Sample Tracking, (2) Protocol Execution, and (3) Storage Organization. These components are beneficial not just to laboratory managers and researchers, but the institute as a whole as it can ensure that the data isn’t compromised by any human error.
(1) Sample Tracking. This includes recording all data associated with the sample upon its initial accession, like the sample’s ID, source, collection date, and even the quantification information. Under this component as well, the samples are tracked on who has interacted with it and where it was throughout its life cycle. (2) Protocol Execution. This drives the standardization of laboratory workflows, underlying protocols, procedures, and steps. This ensures that each lab tech adheres to the SOP when processing a sample. (3) Storage Organization. This helps to keep track of the whereabouts of a particular sample inside the laboratory lifecycle which is why it is important to get acquainted with the storage hierarchy since it plays a vital role in locating samples quickly.
The terms Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) are often interchangeably used. The main difference between the two is that a LIS is limited to any healthcare regulations. While LIMS is more focused on standards and regulations for quality and safety.
To further understand what a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is, it is a software that allows us to manage samples and data effectively. This system works in a very simple way and it offers efficiency, work comfort, audit management, barcode handling, compliance, document management, and many more. As a specimen enters a laboratory, the LIMS is already working and assigns that certain specimen with an identification number. Now, as this specimen is moved across the laboratory its information will then be updated to the LIMS to maintain the audit trail.
Overall, a Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) are both essential to our modern healthcare industries. They play a crucial role in processing, storing, and maintaining the data and information regarding the patients and improving the workflow. These computer software both offer an efficient and more convenient way for storing data, especially since we are living in a modern world where technologies are all around us. In addition, the said computer software also aids healthcare workers to have easier and quicker access to patient information.