Laboratory information management systems (LIMS) improve access to quality diagnostic testing and provide accurate, timely information for patient care, public health planning and policy decisions. LIMS are recognised as a powerful tool to improve laboratory data management within the laboratories and reporting of data externally. They are widely used by medical laboratories in high-income countries. While some hospital-based microbiology laboratories in developing countries have been equipped by electronic systems to record test ordering, laboratory findings and billing processes, the market for public health LIMS remains underdeveloped.