Jesse Emmanuel B. Ayop
MT 14 LEC – AA

Technology is a crucial part of our world; many things we take for granted are possible through this. It is an advancing field that continues to make things convenient. It also applies to the medical field.

One of these technologies is the laboratory information system (LIS). The LIS is a program that stores, processes, manages, and archives data from the work done in the laboratory (Del Vecchio, 2015).

Features found in LIS are patient management, specimen order entry, status of specimen processing, result entry, patient demographics, etc. The database will keep the data stored for future reference in succeeding visits.

There are many functions to the LIS: result generation, tracking of samples, management of workflow, and integration with other devices (Skobelev et al., 2011). It creates a cohesive database that improves work efficiency.

All LISs are unique, but they contain crucial components to ensure uniform functions across LIS.

Sample tracking, protocol execution, and storage organization are the three main components of any LIMS (Analytics, 2023). The first of these components is the sample tracking.

Sample tracking is the capability of the LIMS to track samples from their arrival in the laboratory until their storage. Its tracking includes the patient’s information and the information of the specimen, like the time of extraction.

Protocol Execution is the second major component of a LIMS; it standardizes the workflow, protocols, and procedures. It ensures that each lab staff follows the steps published in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). It makes it so that the entire lab staff does the correct steps in their proper order when doing tests.

Storage organization is the third major component. It tracks the location of the sample throughout the laboratory. The LIMS tracks the storage of each specimen in the lab: in each freezer, rack, drawer, or box. It makes locating samples quick and organized.

Laboratory information management systems have five stages (Skobelev et al., 2011). In the first stage, the LIMS receives and enrolls the sample into the system. Data in the database include the patient’s information, which tests to perform, storage conditions, etc.

The second stage comprises distributing the analytical tests among the laboratory staff. The LIS tracks and monitors the execution of the tests, the status of each one, time spent, and time remaining.

In the third stage, the LIS manages the preparation of the samples and tracks the reagents and equipment needed to carry out the procedure. It makes it possible to track the use of supplies in the lab. It also notifies when the things in the inventory are low.

The fourth stage involves the input of results into the LIMS. The results obtained go into the database. It creates an archived record in the database. Only the admins can access the archives.

The last stage of the process is the inspection of the results and the compilation of the reports. It includes the verification and validation of the results. But, a medical technologist must check the results to verify.

To sum it up, LIS plays a huge role in making the work in the lab more efficient and convenient. It helps them track and process all the specimens. It helps the lab staff provide quality service to the public and is an indispensable tool in the lab.

References:
Analytics, T. W. (2023). What is a LIMS and What are They Used for? Third Wave Analytics. https://thirdwaveanalytics.com/blog/what-does-a-lims-do
DelVecchio, A. (2015). laboratory information system. Health IT. https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/definition/laboratory-information- system
Skobelev, D., Zaytseva, T. M., Козлов, А. Д., Perepelitsa, V. L., & Макарова, А. (2011). Laboratory information management systems in the work of the analytic laboratory. Measurement Techniques, 53(10), 1182–1189. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11018-011-9638-7