Name: Kiera Leigh L. Hular
Course & Year: BSMT-1
Subject & Section: MT 14 LEC-CC

The development of technology paved the way for medical laboratories to transform and create breakthroughs. A laboratory information system (LIS) is an essential foundation of clinical laboratories in the healthcare industry.

An LIS functions as a storer, processor, and manager of patient data.

It is a medical software utilized by laboratory facilities for receiving orders or requests and storing and updating patient data for physicians to use in diagnostics and treatment. This data encompasses both incoming and outgoing laboratory testing orders and test results. Furthermore, it is a system for tracking, standardizing, organizing, and centralizing data, processes, and tasks that occur in a laboratory (Psychē Systems, 2023).

An LIS comprises three core components: Sample Tracking, Protocol Execution, and Storage Organization (Third Wave Analytics, 2023).

As a main function, LIS monitors a sample from its arrival in the laboratory through its testing and storage. LIS records data related to the sample when it is first received such as its ID, origin, collection date, and quantitative details. It also included details like who engaged with the sample and its location at various stages of its existence.

The second function of LIS is to standardize lab workflows including protocols and procedures. This ensures that every lab technician follows a consistent set of steps outlined in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) when processing samples, regardless of who is handling them. These steps enable the entire lab team to execute tasks in an accurate and sequential manner.

LIS also manages test assignments, automatically assigning the appropriate protocol for the arrival of the sample. It enhances the control of protocols, providing visibility to authorized teams. Test results are recorded, sent for approval, and distributed to relevant team members via reports.

Third, LIS tracks the specific position and storage of individual lab samples and their corresponding containers, whether it may be a box, sample tube, or vial. The system then monitors the box’s location within a drawer, the drawer’s location within a rack, and so on, up to the room where the freezer is. Generally, it follows architectural and hierarchical storage tracking for convenient locations.

For an LIS to work, a combination of all its major components must be present.

Sample tracking within laboratories provides information about the status of the sample. There is an implementation of digitized procedure steps for uniformity. Storage organization enables proper management and traceability.

From ordering tests to viewing results, the LIS works as a facilitator and database for laboratory data flow and workflow. It has pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases (Shrestha, 2022).

The pre-analytical workflow starts with accessing the software by logging in the personnel responsible for sample collection and testing. Then, the sample is tracked using barcode/ID number/date. Consequently, chemical and reagent inventory is verified for the sufficiency of these substances for conducting tests from the stock.

The analytical workflow involves schedule testing, securing the chain of custody, integrating instruments, viewing results, and performing quality control for the results.

In the post-analytical workflow, the LIS reports validated results that are also archived for future reference.

Overall, LIS aids healthcare providers in ensuring that optimal patient care is delivered. It shows that not only it is beneficial to laboratory personnel, but also for the patient’s welfare.

References
Psychē Systems. (2023, July 28). What is LIMS? What is a LIMS System Used for? | Lockbox LIMS. Third Wave Analytics. https://thirdwaveanalytics.com/blog/what-does-a-lims-do/
Shrestha, A. (2022, August 31). Laboratory Information System (LIS) • Microbe Online. Microbe Online. https://microbeonline.com/laboratory-information-system-lis/
Third Wave Analytics. (2023, July 28). What is LIMS? What is a LIMS System Used for? | Lockbox LIMS. Third Wave Analytics. https://thirdwaveanalytics.com/blog/what-does-a-lims-do/