Yna Charmaigne Balucan
MT 14 – AA LEC

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬
A laboratory information system (LIS) is a network of systems that integrates all the informational needs of both the laboratory and its clients. It tracks, records, and manages the clinical data of a patient in all stages of medical examinations, which is stored for future reference and analysis.
According to ProMed (n.d.), the LIS can also execute actions that are typically reliant on human technicians. This includes data collection from instruments, sending results to an EHR, creating reports, and more. Using an LIS enhances the lab’s capability to manage higher production levels.
Furthermore, these systems minimize the amount of time and labor that is required to complete laboratory tests and analyses. They play a crucial role in the modern laboratory as they have less chance of errors and can meet quality control standards even while taking on higher volumes.
Hence, healthcare professionals rely on LIS to streamline and oversee the workflow and quality assurance of medical testing for both inpatient and outpatient medical testing. They are instrumental in various departments, encompassing hematology, chemistry, immunology, etc.
The first main component of LIS is Sample Tracking. The LIS tracks the sample from the moment it is first brought to the laboratory by recording its ID, source, collection date, and quantitative information. More data is collected as the sample progresses through the laboratory’s processes.
The second main component of LIS is Protocol Execution. Standard Operating Procedure is a must when handling samples to attain accurate results. LIS has digitized these procedures and protocols to ensure that the laboratory personnel follow the correct steps when conducting lab processes.
The third main component is Storage Organization. This is done by monitoring the location of a sample throughout its laboratory cycle. The LIS begins by tracking the sample from the box where the tube is stored in, which drawer that box is in, followed by which rack the drawer is in.
Consequently, the system tracks the rack’s placement on the shelf, and the room where the freezer is situated. This is called the “storage hierarchy” (Sample > Position > Box > Drawer > Rack > Shelf > Freezer > Room), which saves time by creating a system that locates samples quickly.
A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) works by automating and streamlining various laboratory processes, including sample tracking, data management, and workflow standardization. It stores and manages data related to samples, experiments, and lab operations.
LIMS excels at capturing and storing data associated with samples, experiments, and overall lab activities, ensuring secure and efficient management of critical information. In essence, it plays a central role in enhancing efficiency, data integrity, and overall productivity within a lab setting.

References:
Comp ProMed. (n.d.) What Is A Laboratory Information System? https://www.comppromed.com/what-is-a-laboratory-information-system/
DelVecchio, A. (2023). Laboratory Information System. TechTarget Network. https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/definition/laboratory-information-system#:~:text=A%20laboratory%20information%20system%20(LIS,of%20medical%20processes%20and%20tests.
Third Wave Analytics. (2023, July 28). What is a LIMS and What are They Used for? https://thirdwaveanalytics.com/blog/what-does-a-lims-do/#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20Core%20Components,paper%20and%20a%20massive%20spreadsheet.
Varnadoe, L.A. (1996). Medical Laboratory Management and Supervision: Operations, Review, and Study Guide (1st ed.). F.A. Davis Company, Philadelphia.