Industry Insights
Choosing a Vendor - Guidance for Your LIS Upgrade
March 18, 2025
Medical Laboratory Observer has published a timely guide for helping clinical laboratories and pathology groups choose the best laboratory information system software (LIS systems) and the right LIS software vendors.
LigoLab CEO Suren Avunjian participated in the discussion for this guide. He said medical labs continue to take the pain associated with rigid, legacy LIS systems that lack functionality and flexibility, even though new LIS pathology solutions that replace multiple disparate laboratory software systems and their inherent data silos are readily available.
Learn More: Comparing LigoLab Informatics Platform with Legacy Laboratory Information System Software
Avunjian also suggested that labs looking to upgrade their medical LIS should not look for LIS vendors but LIS pathology partners because they simply can’t afford to make a pathology lab software mistake and switch LIS systems often.
To learn more from Avunjian and other industry experts, click the link below (first published by MLO on November 22, 2022) or continue reading our executive summary of the article.
MLO Article Linked Here: Guidance for Choosing an LIS Vendor
Selecting the Best LIS Vendor: LIS System Insights
Executive Summary of the MLO Article: Choosing the right medical laboratory information system (medical LIS) vendors significantly impacts clinical laboratories and pathology groups in the long term. Industry experts stress the importance of partnering with LIS vendors who offer dedicated support rather than merely supplying a product.
Suren Avunjian, CEO of LigoLab, emphasized that many traditional LIS software solutions are inflexible and limited in features and functionality, hindering laboratories' effectiveness. He advocates selecting LIS lab vendors capable of acting as a true partner, offering pathology LIS systems capable of providing robust flexibility, streamlined laboratory workflow management, and comprehensive support to address operational and financial needs.
Industry Insights: Six Experts Discuss the State of Anatomic Pathology LIS Systems
Avunjian advised labs to choose a long-term LIS pathology partner rather than a mere vendor, considering the difficulty of frequently switching laboratory information systems. He recommends laboratories pose specific questions when selecting a medical LIS:
- Does the vendor offer an integrated laboratory billing (lab revenue cycle management) solution with a shared database infrastructure?
- Can the lab information system operate both on the cloud and on-premises?
- Does the healthcare LIS eliminate data silos by managing all operations seamlessly?
- Does the medical LIS support automatic specimen tracking with unique barcode identifiers?
- Does the LIS system include automation to streamline workflows and minimize manual tasks?
- Are lab reports produced by the LIS system fully customizable with various delivery options?
- Does the lab information system have an internal interface engine?
- Is there a comprehensive and searchable audit trail that’s easily accessible?
- Does pathology LIS software provide insightful dashboards and dynamic reporting?
- Does the LIS system support client and patient portals?
- Does the LIS software solution ensure regulatory compliance at every stage of laboratory operations?
Going forward Avunjian anticipates that increased LIS system automation will be adopted due to shortages in skilled laboratory staff and rising labor costs.
He also noted that laboratory information system automation will ease staffing burdens, streamline operations, and provide clear operational insights through an all-in-one medical LIS and lab billing platform such as the LigoLab Informatics Platform.
He also predicts technological advancements will allow laboratories to interact directly with patients through direct-to-consumer lab testing portals equipped with telemedicine features (such as TestDirectly - learn more by clicking the link below). He says patients will benefit from enhanced convenience in accessing specialized laboratory services and receiving remote guidance from medical professionals.
Learn More: Highlighting the Versatility of the TestDirectly Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing Portal
When Laboratory Information System (LIS Software) Upgrades Stall: Understanding the Breakdown
If you've worked in a pathology practice or clinical laboratory, the following scenario may feel familiar:
Management at Laboratory X gathers department leaders to discuss ongoing performance and reliability problems caused by an outdated or internally developed laboratory information system/lab pathology software. This legacy LIS system has created significant operational challenges, hindering the lab's ability to retain customers and expand business. Inefficient lab workflow and manual processes have led to costly errors, such as misplaced or mislabeled specimens, resulting in delays and diminished market reputation. Frustration has reached a critical point, signaling an urgent need for change.
After recognizing the severity of the issue, management commits to exploring new LIS system software solutions, aiming to facilitate growth and operational efficiency. This decision revitalizes the department heads, who eagerly share the news with their teams. Although implementing a new lab information system is daunting, the promise of improvement fosters widespread enthusiasm.
Learn More: What to Look Out for and Avoid When Shopping for a New LIS System
Shortly thereafter, a dedicated committee is formed to investigate available LIS systems. They compile a shortlist of promising LIS software vendors, schedule demonstrations, and gather essential information.
Following multiple demonstrations and thorough evaluation, the committee identifies several suitable laboratory information system vendors and submits recommendations to management.
Next, management moves for more interactions with the lab vendors, including additional demonstrations and business proposals. Yet, unexpectedly and abruptly, management halts the initiative, abandoning the proposed pathology lab software upgrade while leaving stakeholders perplexed.
The sudden reversal raises critical questions: Did management reconsider, opting instead for the familiar status quo? Were the laboratory information system vendors unable to sufficiently demonstrate their value? Most importantly, can this critical LIS pathology initiative be revived, or has the opportunity for meaningful change passed?
Overcoming Resistance to Laboratory Information System Adoption: Strategies for Lab Leaders
Resistance to adopting a new laboratory information system often stems from a fear of failure, but this can be managed effectively. Lab leaders should acknowledge this fear, set realistic goals, clearly communicate expectations, and take incremental actions toward change.
To help overcome internal resistance, it's important to ask potential LIS software vendors specific questions that confirm alignment with the lab's business goals, including:
- Do they have proven industry experience and a successful track record?
- Can their LIS systems support customized solutions and unique needs?
- Do they have LIS system scalability for future growth?
- Is there a commitment to ongoing technological innovation and LIS system improvements?
- Is there a support structure that addresses current and future operational needs?
- Is there transparent pricing, including upfront and potential hidden costs? Are there flexible licensing options?
Shifting Focus: Emphasize Rewards Over Risks in LIS System Implementation
One approach to overcoming hesitation or fear associated with implementing a new LIS laboratory information system software is emphasizing the rewards rather than the potential risks. Laboratories can achieve significant improvements by adopting modern medical LIS systems, as demonstrated by real-world examples provided in the following case studies:
Case Study 1: Learn how Eastern Connecticut Pathology Consultants (ECPC) successfully addressed key operational goals by integrating a contemporary anatomic pathology software solution.
Case Study 2: See how Northwest Pathology (now known as Avero Diagnostics) saw substantial enhancements in operational and financial outcomes after implementing pathology lab software that fully integrated laboratory billing solutions.
Leveraging LIS System & Lab RCM Integration to Improve the Laboratory Billing Process
LigoLab Informatics Platform: Advanced Pathology Lab Software for Independent Laboratories
Is your pathology group or clinical/reference laboratory considering a LIS system software upgrade? Explore what LigoLab can provide.
Since 2006, LigoLab has collaborated closely with independent labs, designing and refining an informatics platform tailored to address the challenges that independent laboratories frequently encounter.
With the powerful and adaptable LigoLab Informatics Platform at the core of your operations, your lab can efficiently scale, streamline workflows, and effectively manage industry challenges to unlock new growth opportunities.
Discover how LigoLab’s comprehensive platform can digitally transform your lab. Contact our team today to learn more.
