Industry Insights
What to Consider When Switching a LIS System or Lab LIMS
December 9, 2024
I recently came across an interesting article from the Medical Laboratory Observer publication. The article focused on what to consider when switching pathology lab software to a new laboratory information system (LIS system, medical LIS) or lab information management system (lab LIMS).
First, let’s look at the article summary (first posted on September 21, 2022) before expanding the conversation with insight presented by LIS software vendors/LIMS providers who have successfully guided lab partners through countless lab pathology software implementations.
Learn More: Best Pathology Lab Reporting Software - 2025 Buyers Guide and Checklist
Summary of Key Points from the LIS System/Lab LIMS Article
General Considerations
- Upgrading a medical LIS or lab information management system is a significant investment that can enhance laboratory operations and align with business goals.
- Automation in medical LIS and lab LIMS can streamline workflows, reduce human error, and improve efficiency from preanalytical phases to laboratory revenue cycle management (lab RCM).
Key Steps for Upgrading LIS System/Laboratory Information Management System Software
Clarify Requirements and Analyze Workflows
- Identify workflow bottlenecks and manual tasks that can be automated.
- Choose laboratory information systems with flexible software architecture tailored to current and future needs.
Consult Stakeholders
- Gather input from laboratory directors, managers, scientists, and IT staff.
- Address recurring issues such as delays, misplaced samples, and reporting inefficiencies.
Add Automation
- Automate tasks like report generation and specimen tracking to improve accuracy and turnaround times.
- Ensure seamless communication between the lab, physicians, and patients.
Assess Supply Management
- Automate inventory tracking and replenishment to mitigate supply chain disruptions.
Integrate Lab Instrumentation
- Connect instrumentation directly with the LIS system/lab LIMS for real-time data processing.
Ensure Compliance and Data Security
- Meet standards like HIPAA, HITRUST, and NIST.
- Consider outsourcing regulatory compliance to reduce IT burden.
- Use cloud-based systems for automatic backup and enhanced data security.
Integrate with Laboratory Billing Solutions
- Streamline lab revenue cycle management by integrating LIS system/lab LIMS with lab billing and accounting solutions.
- Automate data collection to improve insurance reimbursement and the overall laboratory billing process.
Choose Cloud-Based Over On-Premise Storage
- Cloud systems offer scalability, flexibility, and faster data sharing.
- Smaller labs can leverage cloud networks to expand capacity and compete with larger organizations.
Evaluate Cost Options
- Larger labs may prefer long-term licenses, while smaller labs benefit from pay-as-you-go subscriptions.
Choosing the Right Lab Vendors
- Partner with lab vendors offering customization, real-time support, and 24/7 customer service.
- Ensure they understand your lab’s needs and provide effective training and documentation.
Planning the Transition
- Minimize disruption with careful planning and rapid deployment.
- Train staff thoroughly and document the changeover process for future reference.
Benefits of Lab Pathology Software Upgrading
- Improved efficiency, reduced errors, faster results, and scalability to handle higher test volumes.
- Enhanced operational capacity through automation and digital connectivity.
LigoLab’s Keys to a Successful Laboratory Information System Software Implementation
Credit MLO for writing about this important subject, one that we at LigoLab take very seriously and as a LIS company have invested in heavily. What follows is another helpful guide that lab management can follow to ensure a successful laboratory information system software implementation.
Project Managers Guide to LIS System Implementation
Implementing a new LIS laboratory information system is a significant project that requires strategic planning, effective leadership, and teamwork. As the project leader, you have been entrusted with overseeing this complex initiative to enhance the lab’s operations and future capabilities.
The first steps include forming an LIS System Selection Committee, conducting a thorough needs assessment to identify current lab workflow challenges, and clearly defining the lab’s requirements. Selecting the right LIS system involves detailed market research, soliciting proposals through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process, and comparing laboratory information system vendors based on their ability to meet the lab’s current and future needs.
Learn More: What You Need to Know Before Contracting with a Laboratory Information System (LIS) Company
Planning is critical to the success of the lab information system implementation. Avoiding pitfalls such as insufficient planning, scope creep, and over-reliance on LIS software vendors is essential. Developing a comprehensive project plan with defined goals, milestones, and a risk management strategy ensures the project stays on track. A proactive mindset, where the lab takes ownership of the project, sets the tone for a successful partnership with the LIS system software vendor.
The LIS system implementation process involves several key phases. It begins with requirements gathering through stakeholder interviews and workflow analysis, followed by selecting a lab information system that aligns with the lab’s objectives.
The design and customization phase tailors the LIS system software to optimize laboratory workflows and meet regulatory compliance standards. Integrating the LIS system with existing laboratory software systems, including Electronic Health Records (EHR), lab billing platforms, and laboratory instruments, is crucial for seamless data exchange. Additionally, migrating legacy data requires meticulous planning to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Testing and validation are essential to confirm the laboratory information system functions meet regulatory requirements. Thorough user acceptance testing (UAT) helps identify and resolve issues before the LIS system goes live. Training programs tailored to different user groups ease the transition and prepare staff to use the new system effectively. A well-executed go-live strategy ensures a smooth deployment, with intensive support available during the initial days.
Post-implementation, ongoing support and performance evaluations help optimize the lab information system and address any challenges. Success is measured by customer improvements and user satisfaction, enhanced efficiency, and reduced operational risks. A well-implemented LIS system software adapts to evolving demands, maintains cost-effectiveness, and supports sustained growth.
In conclusion, leading a laboratory information system implementation project requires vision, collaboration, and resilience. While challenging, it offers the opportunity to transform the lab’s operations and position it for long-term success. By following best practices and fostering a strong partnership with the LIS system vendor, you can achieve a seamless implementation that benefits the lab and its stakeholders.
On-Demand Webinar: Has Our Laboratory Outgrown its Laboratory Information System?
Ready to Learn More About our LIS System and Laboratory Billing Solutions?
We invite you to learn more about LigoLab’s all-in-one informatics platform (with integrated medical LIS and lab billing modules that share the same LIS software infrastructure) and LigoLab’s commitment to innovation by contacting a knowledgeable LIS system product specialist.
