Zyrah Shane B. Mira
MT 14 LEC – CC
Laboratory Information Systems

In this modern time, every individual would prefer the use of technology for whatever task they do. Aside from this, most would expect faster transactions while still incorporating the essence of accessibility and reliability of data. This is what a laboratory information system offers.

A laboratory information system functions as an aid to laboratory management in filtering and organizing specific data and information. This system allows different networks to interdependently work with each other to allow efficient service to take place, starting from receiving requests, processing them, and having a systematic delivery of laboratory information to the people. This system fosters the importance of accessibility both at the health institution and on the patient’s end. As this system holds several tasks, it involves a series of components that make up this network.

The major components of a laboratory information system are sample tracking, protocol execution, and storage organization. These components work hand in hand for the laboratory information system to function and serve its purpose.

Sample Tracking is the recording and monitoring of every patient sample ever since its acquisition. This involves patient identification, type of sample, quantity, laboratory results, and other necessary information about the sample. Aside from the recording and monitoring of samples, sample tracking also means which department or laboratory area the sample was sent to, as well as which healthcare worker has interacted with and worked with the sample. This is an important aspect, as the sample plays a huge part in the health information needs of a patient.

Protocol Execution is the set of standard practices, procedures, and protocols that make up the institution’s workflow and that each healthcare worker should adhere to. Laboratory workers are expected to follow the standard operating procedures to be able to have accurate and precise results, as well as a consistent work method regardless of the laboratory worker operating. This includes the patient parameters (admission, transfer, and discharge), laboratory test information, and the different work lists the institution can offer. The laboratory needs to have the right steps in the right sequence when handling and working on the specimen.

Storage Organization is the specific storage space the specimen is placed in. It involves every box and rack, as well as the room number it is situated in. This is to enable easy finding of the sample when it is needed.

These main components bring about the LIS. With these components, we get them to work with each other in a systematized workflow that gives the functionality of the LIS and moves to the goal of structured work and service.

The laboratory information management system starts when a sample is brought into the lab from a certain test request or order. The sample is then registered with an identification number or code (like barcodes) for easy tracking. The sample is then prepared and redirected to the department where it will be tested and analyzed. Afterwards, the results generated are registered, validated, and approved by specific people. It is then given the certificate of analysis and prepared to be released, billed, and invoiced.

The things that occur behind the whole laboratory information system work in a very broad manner. It requires a lot of hardware, software, procedures, people, and data. It is indeed a blessing that the advent of technology has made things effortless. The way technology has been incorporated into laboratory data management results in one thing: better healthcare and this is evident through the Laboratory Information System.

References
What is a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)?: Definition, Purpose, & Benefits of LIMS. (2023, August 25). CloudLIMS. https://cloudlims.com/what-is-a-lims/#:~:text=As%20a%20sample%20is%20introduced,to%20maintain%20the%20audit%20trail.
What is a LIMS and What are They Used for? (2023, August 10). Third Wave Analytics. https://thirdwaveanalytics.com/blog/what-does-a-lims-do/#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20Core%20Components,paper%20and%20a%20massive%20spreadsheet.