Eunice B. Pacot
BSMT – I
MT14 – Lec (CC)

LIS, a Synergized Helping Hand

A laboratory information system (LIS) is a software that plays a key role in the medical industry. It helps medical professionals supervise patients’ data related to laboratory testing and examinations. LIS software is a necessary tool for laboratory professionals and other healthcare providers. It is to track medical tests of both inpatients and outpatients. The software saves, tracks, and updates every patient’s information. It stores data in a database for future reference. Medical professionals can access patient data, analyze it, and make careful diagnoses.

The use of a LIS has proven to be important within laboratory settings. By implementing this system, there are a multitude of benefits. One of the most notable is the improvement of data management. It allows for the smooth flow of information, resulting in a more efficient workflow. Moreover, it provides convenient access to data, meeting what that client needs. Additionally, the system has built-in quality assurance and control measures. It guarantees the accuracy and precision of laboratory results. The application of a LIS is a good way of improving laboratory work.

LIS, according to Third Wave Analytics (2023), has three main parts. It keeps track of samples, follows protocols, and organizes storage. Researchers track samples in different ways or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Then they save them in their specific storage. Moreover, the Computer-based Information System has two major components: hardware and software.

Computers have physical parts called “computer hardware”. These parts make the computer work. Input devices like keyboards or data converters let computers receive data. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is in charge of analyzing and processing data. There are also output devices such as printers and monitors. They help computers communicate with users and share information. There are different memory and data storage in the input-output devices. Inside the CPU lies the main memory. It holds data and instructions while they are being processed. Peripheral Storage Devices store data not currently in use by the CPU. Read-only memory (ROM) is the protected part, while Random-Access Memory (RAM) remains unprotected. The term ‘database’ refers to all data stored in both main and peripheral storage devices. Disk drive; hard, floppy, and optical disks fall under the data storage devices.

Software is a set of instructions that tell a computer what to do. It comes in two types: application and systems. Application software meets the user’s needs. Systems software operates the computer’s operating systems. The two types of computer languages are machine language and programming language. Machine language is a binary-coded language used by computers. Programming language allows the program to be readable for human understanding. Machine language has two types: bytes and bits. Bytes are the storage units of the computer, while bits are the subunits of bytes. There are two types of computer networks: a local-area network (LAN) and a wide-area network (WAN). A LAN connects computers and equipment that are close together. WAN connects computers and equipment that are far apart. There are two types of LIS: host-based and client-server. They differ in how they collect, process, and access data.

Forest et al. wrote an article in 1985 and said that the CPU controls the main roles. It allows the laboratory to have full control over daily processes. Machine-learning analyzers generate data by utilizing a microcomputer/microprocessor network. It provides links to the computer for fast diagnostics and long-term record processing. The system is secure in three ways. These are data entry validation, system access control, and memory protection. There are primary benefits of LIS. It improves efficiency by reducing tasks, better analysis, facilitating faster communication, providing clinicians with more accurate data, and speeding up the billing process.