In the healthcare industry, professionals and processes alike depend on easy access to patient information. When a patient needs treatment, the professionals’ ability to quickly access information, process laboratory needs, and keep details organized for diagnostics and treatment is absolutely crucial. 

It is through innovative laboratory information systems that this integration and organization become possible. 

What Is a Laboratory Information System? 

Laboratory information systems, also referred to as LIS, are specialized medical software that store data and can be accessed by the various parties treating and diagnosing a patient. 

The system holds the data, keeping it secure. For labs, the LIS will host laboratory testing orders as well as the associated test results. The system can track orders, contain and deliver results, and provide a record of health for the processing of that patient. 

This system is an electronic health record, which means that personal information of the patient will be integrated into the system. This typically includes medical history as well as name, DOB, address, gender, and lab testing. 

Most systems can provide these as well: 

• Quality assurance
• Physician information
• Date of lab work and request
• Managing workflow details
• Comparison of lab results
• Tracking and analysis
• Billing ICD codes
• Internal communication tracking 

These systems can be used by a variety of medical professionals and integrated into their practice to help treat their patients. They are common among specialties in immunology, oncology, pathology, hematology, and more. 

There are different types of LIS that can be used in order to cater to the needs of the lab and the physicians. At one time, these systems were all different, but technology has allowed for the integration of specialized details within the same systems to avoid maintaining and creating so many different systems. 

The Benefits of Software for Lab Testing Processes

One of the greatest benefits of LIS is the ability to better manage and share data while also offering quality assurance in the process. With less paperwork and fewer manual processes, there is far less likelihood of error in the data. 

Of course, there are other benefits as well. Here are a few! 

• Reducing risk of misdiagnoses
• Reducing the cost of processing
• Streamlining orders and tracking
• Improving security of specimen and patient data
• Quicker turnaround with automated workflows

When you compare the benefits of systems like these, it all comes down to one major thing – an improvement in overall processes. The ability to simplify processes, organize the orders and tracking, and ensure all data remains secure provide substantial benefits for the patient and the medical providers alike. 

Choosing the Right LIS

Whether you’re a laboratory just getting set up or looking for improved processes for lab processing, laboratory information systems could provide the solution you need. With the ability to better manage lab orders as well as lab results, these systems are useful for all parties involved. 

Find a quality solution for setting up a lab, running the proper LIS, and ensuring that things run smoothly through processing and organization. This will contribute greatly to improved efficiency as well as integrity and safety on the patient’s behalf.