The Laboratory Information System

A laboratory information system (LIS) is a computer-based management system. It is necessary for the functioning health industry. It also incorporates different aspects of the laboratory to provide a productive workflow.

Laboratory information systems provide clinical laboratories with an important tool. It allows the laboratories to collect, collate, organize, and analyze information. As a result, the LIS improves the total management and data processing procedure.

The functions of the laboratory information system revolve around three core components. These include the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical data gathering.

In the pre-analytical stage, the laboratory information system gathers the preliminary information. This includes patient identification, test requisition, and work list. The LIS compiles this information and provides patient health reports.

In the same stage, the system employs a systematic collection of data. Through this, the LIS improves data security. It facilitates a more comprehensive data validation. It also ensures that the gathered data are not lost or damaged.

After providing pre-analytical information, the LIS then validates. In the analytical stage, the LIS certifies. It certifies the correctness of the inputted patient or specimen information. Then, it assists in workload management and captures results from instruments.

A laboratory information system transcripts and reports test results. The laboratory information system’s complex, careful processes provide less room for error. Due to this, the reported test results are accurate and precise.

The laboratory information system also enables process monitoring in the laboratory. The LIS makes sample locations ready for use throughout the clinical laboratory. It also makes sample status available to those who need it.

The laboratory information system also ensures that staff follow proper laboratory procedures. The LIS-established rules ease this. An alert system in the LIS notifies users. This is when it requires actions and information before proceeding.

In the post-analytical stage, the laboratory information system generates reports. These reports are well-tracked and automatic. These include specimen rejections, transfers, analyzer use and maintenance needs, and communication logs.

After gathering hundreds of data, the LIS releases these as information. The laboratory information system focuses on distributing the laboratory data to recipients. The LIS submits these results to individual clients, companies, and healthcare providers.

But, the laboratory information system needs components for it to function. This includes the protocol execution, sample tracking, and storage organization.

Protocol execution is indicative of the standardization of the LIS across the laboratory. This component maintains the execution of correct steps. That is while operating the laboratory information system.

Sample tracking is indicative of how the system records the data. It also refers to how the system tracks who and where the person is when inputting data.

Storage organization is indicative of how the system keeps the inputted data. That is, until its release. It refers to the chain of custody of the inputted data.

With all these, the laboratory information system provides patient care. The system functions allow it to provide timely and accurate laboratory information. It also eliminates the unavailability of laboratory reports for those who need it.

The LIS streamlines the discharge and transfer process of the patients. It also enables remote access to data. The laboratory information system increases the productivity and efficiency of the laboratory employees.

References:
Chan, Tony. Laboratory Information System (LIS). 2007.

Public Association of Health Laboratories. Laboratory Information Systems Project
Management: A Guidebook for International Implementations. 2018.

Short, Nancy. “Core Components of Laboratory Information Management System.” VB Monster, 9 Aug. 2021, vbmonster.com/core-components-of-laboratory-information-management-system/.

Varnadoe, Lionel A., Medical Laboratory Management and Supervision: Operations,
Review and Study Guide, Philadelphia: Elsevier Inc., 1996.