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Laboratory Information System: Functions, Components, and Management System

On a daily basis, clinical laboratories receive and process patient information and specimen samples. With large amounts of information and complex procedures, laboratories must find ways to work effectively and efficiently; hence the use of Laboratory Information System (LIS).

LIS is a software system with a network of computer components that manages and monitors the informational needs of the laboratory, such as patient records, patient testing data, workflow, preexisting laboratory systems, and quality assurance and control.

The LIS is deeply linked with the work process and flow of information in hospitals and laboratories due to its many functions wherein any data, may it be patient information, test updates, or results, can be easily recorded into their database in an organized manner.

For instance, if a patient sends a test order or request, laboratory personnel would input this into the LIS. Its progress, completed or not, can be monitored through this system, and later on, the results of such tests are recorded in the database along with other necessary information.

As such, the use of an LIS is advantageous to medical technologists, laboratory technicians, and other laboratory professionals, as it reduces clerical work, promotes efficiency in monitoring the workload, and allows for faster communication and information dissemination.

For these functions to be conducted effectively, the LIS has three major components, namely laboratory protocols, sample tracking, and storage management. All three components, though deeply interconnected, have different purposes imperative for a well-functioning LIS.

Laboratory protocols are steps, procedures, and/or guidelines that aid in creating an efficient workflow. Implemented by the LIS, this generates standard operating procedures (SOP) for the tests being performed and creates consistency in sample processing and analysis.

For sample tracking, patient and sample information such as the name of the patient, type of sample, date, and batch number, are written in an electronic format that assists in monitoring the sample’s progression, along with generating accurate results.

Lastly, the storage management component of the LIS helps in accurately storing samples and test results submitted to the laboratory. It tracks where the specimen samples are and strictly implements the storage system used by the laboratory.

For the LIS to perform to the best of its abilities, it works hand in hand with the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). It is a software designed to support the laboratory workflow in terms of sample processing and management.

Although LIMS is often used interchangeably with LIS, it is important to note that they have different functions and are only interlinked with one another: the LIS focuses on patient information and clinical management, while the LIMS directly manages the samples.

For example, when a sample is sent to a laboratory, the LIMS processes this by adding it to the database and assigning an identification number for easier tracking. As it undergoes the various procedures conducted by laboratory personnel, the information is updated to the LIMS.

To sum it up, the LIS allows hospitals and clinical laboratories to work efficiently and effectively through information management in terms of laboratory protocol implementation, sample tracking, and storage management, which optimizes the duties of laboratory personnel.

References:

CloudLIMS. (2023, August 25). What is a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)?: Definition, Purpose, & Benefits of LIMS. CloudLIMS. https://cloudlims.com/what-is-a-lims/#:~:text=As%20a%20sample%20is%20introduced,to%20maintain%20the%20audit%20trail.

Forest, J., Rheault, C., & Dang-Vu, T. (1985). The Laboratory Information System (LIS): I-Application to the clinical chemistry laboratory. Clinical Biochemistry, 18(2), 78–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0009-9120(85)80085-0

Orchard Software. (2023, July 19). What is LIS Software and How Does it Work? | Orchard Software. https://www.orchardsoft.com/resources/learn-about-lis/#:~:text=An%20LIS%20is%20a%20software,to%20an%20EHR%2C%20practice%20management

Shrestha, A. (2022). Laboratory Information System (LIS). Microbe Online. https://microbeonline.com/laboratory-information-system-lis/