Nicole Trisha P. Doyongan
MT 14 – BB

Article on the Laboratory Information System (LIS)

The Laboratory Information System, or LIS, is a healthcare software in a laboratory. Its purpose is to store and collect a patient’s data and manage specimens present in the laboratory. It provides accurate workflow and better-quality results from the tests.
Its systematic data formulates proper diagnosis and treatment plans for the patients. It’s convenient to track the samples and reports of the samples.

In clinical laboratories, the LIS is often used. Its accuracy has a low chance of misdiagnosis and is easy to use.

This is the situation in smaller medical laboratories when compared to LIMS. This is for tracking a patient’s data in solitary.

This laboratory system contains tracking. With mentions of tracking, the Laboratory Information System has three major components. These are the Tracking Sample, Implementing Protocol, and Managing of Storage.

These systematic components work together to make it function.

We have the Tracking Sample. It is the main component that includes important information on the patient’s data. This includes the date, sample type, batch number, etc.

It is also important as it produces accurate results from the samples tested. An electric written format helps the sample reach its final analysis. This also applies when using the barcode sample to locate the sample’s progress.

Next is the Implementing Protocol. A component that implements a sample’s processes, procedures, and protocols for better workflow.

The Standard Operating Procedure provides consistency during the processing of the sample. Computerizing the steps maintains consistency during the processing of the sample. helps to achieve an accurate result and analysis.

It also maintains the quality tests implemented by different workers during sample testing. It’s accuracy of results is then given to the patients.

Then we have the Managing Storage. This last of the components manages the sample storage in simpler terms. It organizes and collects samples for future usage. This also contains a particular shelf rack and/or box to make it more accessible and to locate.

Like the Laboratory Information System, we also have the Laboratory Information Management System. The LIMS, from the word “management”, manages samples and data. This system helps track the sample and results and manages a laboratory workflow.

The Laboratory Management System processes a large number of lab samples. This produces accurate results and can track data in experiments. This can improve its efficiency in the laboratory. The data in the system is immediately automated processed and stored.

The process starts with a sample in a clinical laboratory. Then, the sample in the system will contain an identification number.

The transportation of samples will go throughout the laboratory to collect information. The related information is then gathered for result validation and approval.

In conclusion, there are distinct differences between the LIS and LIMS. The Laboratory Information System processes and stores data samples of the patient.

The Laboratory Information Management System deals with the operation. It is less centered on the patient. The data is then processed in larger batches of the sample data.

These two systems are, nonetheless, important in any clinical laboratory.

References:

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

Orchard Software. (2023, August 23). What is the difference between an LIS & a LIMS? – Orchard Software. https://www.orchardsoft.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-an-lis-a-lims/