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Laboratory Information Systems (LIS vs LIMS) for Data Management
March 6, 2024
Modern clinical laboratories and anatomic pathology practices produce a vast amount of patient and specimen data, so using the right pathology management software to track, store, and report on this data is crucial.
Laboratories benefit from pathology management software (also known as pathology reporting software or lab pathology software) that can handle all this information input and storage, plus support more efficient clinical lab workflow with features like a robust pathology specimen tracking system. Pathology management software helps with sample management, the organizing of records, and the automating of laboratory workflow processes. The most advanced lab pathology solutions also support digital pathology solutions, laboratory billing (lab revenue cycle management), and direct-to-consumer lab testing (learn more about TestDirectly and TestDirectly.com).
In this blog post, we will review the key features of pathology management software and the benefits they offer in terms of pathology lab management.
What is Pathology Management Software?
Pathology management software is most often represented by a laboratory information system (LIS abbreviation medical) and sometimes by a laboratory information management system (LIMS full form). Laboratory information systems (LIS systems), and to a lesser extent laboratory information management systems (lab LIMS), are keys to any productive medical lab because they help with many aspects of data management such as inputting, sample tracking, processing, reporting, and storing.
One quick note here. Whereas a lab information system is engineered to support a myriad of medical laboratory workflows, a laboratory information management system (lab LIMS) is much more widely used in various other regulated industries, supporting sample-centric non-medical labs that focus on the testing of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages. That said, some in the medical lab community continue to work with LIMS providers for pathology lab management, and LIS system software and lab LIMS software as lab terms continue to be used almost interchangeably in some medical lab settings.
Be it LIS systems or LIMS lab management software, both play a significant role in a lab setting by improving efficiency and productivity with error-free sample tracking and automation-supported lab workflow.
Tips on How to Choose the Best Laboratory Information System
There are many LIS systems and laboratory information system companies in the market, and each LIS software vendor’s LIS model has a different setup for information management and clinical lab workflow. When deciding which pathology lab software to invest in, consider the following questions.
- Is the LIS system built to handle the laboratory workflow processes for this specific lab? Is there an option to customize to suit the laboratory’s specific needs?
- Does the LIS software support rules and automation that streamline lab workflow and reduce manual touchpoints?
- Does the LIS system offer full integration with the laboratory’s instruments?
- Will the LIS system also support lab billing and laboratory revenue cycle management? If not, will a separate lab RCM or lab billing software be required, and if so how will that laboratory billing system interface with the LIS software?
- What are the data storage and security options? Is data stored on local servers or the cloud? Does the lab information system offer scalability to support the labs as the business grows?
- What reporting options does the LIS system offer, and are these reports customizable? Does it interface with electronic health records (EHRs), or enable access through online provider and patient portals?
Learn More: How to Turn Your Mid-Sized Medical Laboratory into a Thriving Large-Scale Operation
A laboratory manager should have clear objectives when purchasing a pathology information system to ensure it meets the organization's needs. For instance, forward-thinking managers most often conclude that a single, integrated laboratory information system that includes billing software for labs and can provide for the laboratory’s current and future needs is a valuable investment and worth the cost. With this "one source of truth" philosophy, there's no fingerpointing among multiple lab vendors when there’s an issue. Instead, the lab works with one LIS company that provides an integrated, all-in-one solution and takes full responsibility for all laboratory informatics, allowing the laboratory to streamline resources and concentrate on what it does best.
Core Laboratory Information System Functions and Benefits
Getting the right LIS system backed by the right laboratory information system vendors is key to successful pathology lab management in clinical labs. At their core, laboratory information systems (pathology software) streamline sample tracking management and bring a range of benefits to the lab.
- A modern LIS system software with a pathology specimen tracking system helps by ensuring proper handling and correct testing of the samples being processed within the lab.
- Integration of the advanced medical laboratory information system with EHRs and laboratory instruments removes much of the need for manual data entry. This lab interface system setup reduces human error and the workload on overstretched LIS staffing.
- A modern lab information system provides security and the ability to conveniently share documents online. These LIS lab software systems enable security features so that only authorized users can access the data, thereby ensuring patients' private data is protected.
The Best Laboratory Information System Software Brings Efficiency and Scalability into the Lab
The best laboratory information system software offers more than just clinical laboratory management capabilities. These pathology software solutions boost the growth and performance of labs through additional features that legacy LIS systems simply don’t have.
Using LIS Systems to Report and Analyze
Advanced pathology LIS systems incorporate data analysis, lab report production, and database backup without the need for separate pathology lab reporting software. LIS systems such as the LigoLab Informatics Platform facilitate integrated reporting and offer custom template formats to fit the needs of each lab and their specific client preferences.
Learn More: How LigoLab's LIS Software Supports Lab Report Customization and Client Preferences
LIS Systems and Functional Pathology Lab Management
A modern medical LIS system does not just automate sample processes, it also helps with pathology lab management and team coordination. Of all the benefits of a laboratory information system, lab workflow optimization can have the greatest impact on the lab’s profit margins.
LIS software automation helps with LIS staffing in that procedures are already set, leading to greater efficiency and productivity. When these standard operating procedures are followed, it leads to accurate clinical results.
Learn More: How Laboratory Information Systems Help Lab Operators Overcome Industry-Wide Staffing Shortages
Medical LIS Compliance
The best LIS software reduces the time spent in handling compliance with standards and regulatory requirements. As an example, LigoLab’s informatics platform supports standardized operations to ensure quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) through accurate testing, reporting, and competent operations.
LigoLab’s QC module supports live monitoring of control data and in case of abnormal readings, an alert is sent. The QA infrastructure ensures all workflow steps are monitored, and lab operations are performed systematically and safely.
Learn More: Top 10 Medical Laboratory Mistakes and How to Prevent Them from Happening in Your Lab
Integrated Laboratory Billing Solutions
Laboratory revenue cycle management (also known as lab RCM or laboratory billing) often involves multiple administrative steps. Because of this, most labs use a laboratory billing system to handle medical bill generation, claims and payment processing, and revenue collection.
However, a modern laboratory information system can incorporate laboratory billing functions within the LIS system workflow so that financial services are automated and interwoven alongside laboratory information system functions. This enables labs to have more control over their finances and collect lab billing and insurance information as soon as the order is received, hence optimizing net collections. Labs benefit from full payment for their services and much fewer denials in this scenario.
LIS Systems and Technical Support
Today’s advanced LIS systems can offer customized pathology lab management workflow to suit the medical lab’s size and the preferred procedures. To get the most out of a chosen laboratory information system, technical support must be on hand to help the laboratory manager and technicians access all the features and use them effectively. This support is not a given for all LIS software vendors. Sometimes support is provided on a limited basis and can serve as a potential hidden cost. If unlimited support is a high priority, lab managers should confirm this as part of the package when speaking and negotiating with potential laboratory information system companies.
Learn More: What You Need to Know Before Contracting with a Laboratory Information System (LIS) Company
Final Thoughts on Pathology Management Software
Pathology management software like LigoLab Informatics Platform offers a technological solution to managing large amounts of patient and specimen data. This serves as the core of a laboratory information system that also empowers laboratories to better serve patients, differentiate themselves in the marketplace, scale their operations, and become more compliant and profitable.
To learn more about LigoLab as a LIS company that produces advanced pathology lab software like LigoLab Informatics Platform, contact one of our talented LIS system product specialists for a LIS software demo or to set up a brief introductory call.
