LAWRENCE C. BARQUILLA BSMT-1
Learning through writing: Teaching Critical Thinking Skills through writing assignments

The Laboratory Information System (LIS) is essentially a software system. It manages the workflow inside a laboratory by receiving, processing, and storing information in a systematic and automated manner (Lukić, 2017).

A Laboratory Information System works to manage all operations involved in laboratory activities. These functions encompass many fields of interest which all come together to benefit the laboratory in terms of daily processing and handling of information.

According to Forest et al. (1985), the LIS contains 14 major functions. A few of these functions include registration of test requests, confirmation of specimen collection, workload inquiry and distribution, automated and manual entry of test results, and production of results.

All of these come together to establish a database that houses information such as patient identification, results, medical histories, and more. This database serves as an automated filing cabinet that eases the workload of laboratorians, increasing efficiency and reducing errors in the process.

Numerous varieties and types of Laboratory Information Systems exist. The existence of these types of variants arises from the distinct needs of a laboratory. Not one system can cater to all laboratories as not all laboratories handle and face the same set of challenges.

An LIS contains three core components namely sample tracking, protocol execution, and storage organization (Third Wave Analytics, 2023).

First, or the primary function is sample tracking from arrival to the laboratory up until analysis, testing, storage, and disposal. This includes the recording of information about a sample’s source identification, quantitation, and collection date and time. It also tracks personnel involved in handling and analysis.

Sample tracking is essential in ensuring that samples are properly monitored and efficiently traced. Test results, derived sample data, and time-based study metrics are some of the data stored by an LIS that are under sample tracking.

The second component is the protocol execution which encompasses driving the standardization of lab protocols, procedures, and steps to ensure a smooth, error-free workflow. Adherence to standard operating procedures (SOP) is critical to attain accurate and replicable results.

Protocol execution ensures that everyone working inside the laboratory employs a standardized process or workflow. The LIS works to manage the test assignments to personnel and appropriate measures and protocols the laboratorian must handle.

The storage organization is the last critical component of an LIS. This includes keeping track of a sample’s whereabouts throughout its journey inside the laboratory from collection to analysis to disposal.

The LIS tracks the container of the sample, the tests it is to go through, and its next location or process. This system ensures that despite how busy the laboratory is, the samples are quickly located and processed efficiently and properly with no compromises made.

Prior to discussing the workflow process of a LIS, it is important to know a Laboratory Information System (LIS) is different from a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Both have similarities in function but are different in the laboratory types they (Orchard Software, 2023).

According to Shrestha (2022), the overall workflow of a LIS involves three stages: pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical.

The pre-analytical step involves mainly sample tracking and accessing as well as inventory. The analytical aspect involves scheduling testing, instrument integration, result entry, etc. Lastly, the post-analytical part involves reporting of results and archiving the data retrieved.

To sum it up, an LIS exists to alleviate the burden experienced by laboratorians and workers. It does this by helping in the aspects of recording, managing, and storing sample data, tracking, and results which helps provide quality service to the public and patients.

References

Forest, J., Rheault, C., & Tuan-Kiet Dang-Vu. (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

Lukić, V. (2017). Laboratory Information System – Where are we Today? Journal of Medical Biochemistry, 36(3), 220–224. https://doi.org/10.1515/jomb-2017-0021

Orchard Software. (2023). Learn About Laboratory Information Systems. Orchard Software. https://www.orchardsoft.com/resources/learn-about-lis/

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

Third Wave Analytics. (2023). What is a LIMS and What are They Used for? Third Wave Analytics; Third Wave Analytics, Inc. https://thirdwaveanalytics.com/blog/what-does-a-lims-do/