Khassandra Yzabela C. Valero

Learning through writing: Teaching critical thinking skills through writing

A laboratory information system (LIS) is a computer software that records, processes, and manages data in the clinical laboratory. It tracks samples before, during, and after collection. And tracks the general health of the patients at hospitals and clinics. It is a software that is essential to the operation of laboratories today. 
The LIS functions in patient management. This includes identifying the patient’s admitted department, the allocated doctor, and the type of specimen requested from the patient. The LIS tracks the patient’s laboratory details and  laboratory results. In cases of readmission, the laboratory information system helps retrieve that patient’s past data. And the hospital staff may decide on the best course of action for providing care. 
Laboratory information systems (LIS) not only function in the typical laboratory workflow, but also in maintaining the laboratory’s quality standards. The LIS stores information from each quality test, which would then provide a report on the condition of each instrument. 
The laboratory information system benefits both the patient and the laboratory personnel. It boosts the accuracy and consistency of results for the patients. It also enhances productivity in the workplace. Because of a well-managed laboratory and inventory.
For the laboratory information system to function, three different components must work together. These components are sample tracking, implementing protocol, and managing storage. 
Sample tracking is the main component of the laboratory information system. This is because samples are the most priceless asset of any clinical laboratory. The LIS tracks samples by adding details such as ID, the patient’s name, the type of sample, the date, batch number, and volume. Sample barcodes along with the details also help in locating the sample’s progress. Even as they move from one location of the laboratory to another. Having the samples written electronically helps them get to their analysis destination. 
Another component of the LIS is implementing protocols. The system helps produce standard operating procedures (SOP). This is for processing samples and precise interpretation. Having steps, processes, and procedures raises the bar for laboratory workflow. 
The final component of the LIS is managing sample storage. In storing the sample for usage in the future, the samples are categorized by batch number or date of collection. The batch is put in the same box, shelf rack, or container. The laboratory information system tracks the area where the box, shelf rack or container is.  In a busy laboratory, controlling and managing storage is essential in locating samples. 
There is a certain workflow on how the LIS operates. The pre-analytical workflow includes a login to the software to access the samples, sample tracking, and inventory. The analytical workflow includes schedule testing, chain of custody, instrument integration, results, and QA/QC. The post-analytical workflow includes: result reporting, and achieving data and results. 
As hospitals become more needed in the world today, laboratories should maximize not the laboratory operations alone but also individualized clinical care. This is why laboratory information systems (LIS) are essential to meeting quality standards in the laboratory while contributing to patient care.

References: 
Shrestha, A. (2022, August 31). Laboratory Information System (LIS). Microbe Online. Retrieved October 3, 2023, from https://microbeonline.com/laboratory-information-system-lis/#Benefits_of_LIS