JIMENEZ, Maria Dayamina L.
BSMT I | MT 14 – Health Information Systems
Section CC

A Laboratory Information System is an essential part of the healthcare industry. It is a software designed for healthcare use that handles records, and manages and stores patient data garnered from clinical laboratory test results. LIS aids in assessing a patient’s treatment and health and makes data management more efficient.

According to Shrestha (2022), there are three major components that function in synergy: tracking samples, implementing protocol, and managing storage. These components are essential to the functioning of a Laboratory Information System since these are what makes LIS efficient and convenient for laboratory workers and laboratory informatics.

Tracking samples is the keystone component of LIS since it bears the most significant information in a laboratory. Samples contain information on the patient’s health state, demographics, and personal information that needs to be secure within the departments it transfers to.

Implementing Protocol is also another component that deals with the protocols, rules, processes, and procedures to standardize workflow. Because of authorization in the Laboratory Information System, achieving the tests’ qualities and integrity becomes possible.

Managing Storage means managing the sample storage of a laboratory. One example is sample organization in their designated containers. Monitoring of the samples and other equipment or substances through this system becomes more efficient.

There is a wide scope of how functional a Laboratory Information System is. It spans laboratory data management, specimen management, test result inventories, results inquiries, workflow management, and point-of-care. According to Shrestha (2022), Laboratory Information Systems work in three dimensions: Pre-Analytical, Analytical, and Post-Analytical.

In Pre-Analytical, test orders, referral systems, patient and physician tracking, and specimen tracking commence. In this phase, the creation of a database and the assignment of codes takes place. In this phase, the early identification of the mislabeled specimen occurs.

The Pre-Analytical phase is before sample data collection, which means that all the collection of information aside from the paramount sample occurs to proceed to the next stage of the process.

In the Analytical Phase, the electronic transfer of data, test queue, test performed, test result, and release verified of test results take place. The electronic transfer of data wires the data to locations it needs to go to while test-related components get quality control assurance.

In the Post-Analytical Phase, report management, distribution, result storage, and data exchange with other systems, as well as billing take place. In this phase, the information from the tests is processed to be delivered to their designated places.

The Post-Analytical Phase also keeps the data from the testing in its storage for future or further usage. It also releases reports that are needed in the departments, and the final report to be delivered to the patient and the physician that will determine the condition, if any.

All in all, Laboratory Information Systems play a keystone role in making healthcare information more accessible, efficient, and manageable. It makes the process of getting quality healthcare more straightforward and precise because all the information stays in the LIS. Not only does the information provide cohesive evidence of samples, but it will also be the reason for better healthcare delivery.

References:
Shrestha, A. (2022, August 31). Laboratory Information System (LIS) • Microbe Online. Microbe Online. https://microbeonline.com/laboratory-information-system-lis/