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Laboratory Information Systems (LIS vs LIMS) for Data Management
March 12, 2025
Modern clinical laboratories and pathology practices produce vast amounts of patient and specimen data, so using the right pathology management software to track, store, and report this data is crucial.
Medical laboratories benefit greatly from pathology software that powers modern laboratory information systems that can handle all this imputed information and storage, plus support more efficient clinical lab workflow with features like a robust pathology specimen tracking system.
Pathology lab software helps with sample management, the organizing of records, and the automating of laboratory workflow processes. Moreover, the best laboratory information system software supports digital pathology solutions, laboratory billing (lab revenue cycle management), and direct-to-consumer lab testing (TestDirectly and TestDirectly.com).
In this blog post, we will review the key features of pathology lab reporting software and how advanced LIS systems benefit medical labs.
Learn More: Best Pathology Lab Reporting Software - 2025 Buyers Guide and Checklist
What is Pathology Management Software?
As noted earlier, pathology management software is often represented by laboratory information systems (LIS software) and sometimes by laboratory information management system software.
Laboratory information systems, and to a lesser extent lab information management systems (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 (healthcare LIS) is engineered to support medical lab workflow, LIMS lab management software is much more widely used in other regulated industries, supporting sample-centric non-medical labs that test chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages.
That said, some in the medical lab community continue to work with LIMS vendors for their pathology lab management. This explains why LIS system and laboratory information management system software continue to be used as lab terms almost interchangeably in some medical lab settings.
Whether it’s LIS systems or lab LIMS (LIS vs LIMS), each plays a significant role in a lab setting by improving efficiency and productivity with error-free sample tracking and automation-supported laboratory workflow management.
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, it’s best to consider the following questions:
- Is the lab information 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 medical 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 software also support lab billing (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?
- 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 support, 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 director or manager should have clear objectives when purchasing a medical laboratory information system to ensure it meets the organization's needs.
For instance, forward-thinking decision-makers often conclude that a single, integrated LIS 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" LIS system 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 medical LIS and lab billing solution, thereby allowing the laboratory organization to streamline resources and concentrate on what it does best.
Learn More: Best LIS Software - Maximize Growth With Cutting Edge Pathology Lab Management Software
Core Laboratory Information System Functions and Benefits
Getting the best LIS backed by the right laboratory information system vendors is key to successful pathology lab management in clinical and pathology labs. At their core, laboratory information systems streamline sample tracking management and bring several benefits.
- A modern LIS system software with a pathology specimen tracking system helps ensure proper handling and correct testing of the samples being processed within the lab.
- Integrating an 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 system personnel.
- A modern lab information system provides security and conveniently shares documents online. This LIS lab core function enables security features so only authorized users can access the data and protect patients' private data.
Learn More: What You Need to Know Before Contracting with a Laboratory Information System (LIS) Company
The Best Laboratory Information System Software Supports Efficiency and Scalability into the Lab
The best laboratory information system software offers more than just enhanced laboratory workflow management capabilities. These pathology lab software solutions boost the growth and performance of testing organizations 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 a separate pathology lab reporting software requirement. 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.
Medical LIS software automation helps with staffing by setting standard procedures, which lead 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 medical solutions reduce the time spent handling compliance with standards and regulatory requirements. A great example of streamlined compliance is LigoLab’s informatics platform which supports standardized operations to ensure quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) through accurate testing, reporting, and competent operations.
Learn More: Top 10 Medical Laboratory Mistakes and How to Prevent Them from Happening in Your Lab
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: A Detailed Look at How Modern Laboratory Information Systems Fully Support Quality Control
Integrated Laboratory Billing (Lab RCM) Solutions
Laboratory revenue cycle management (lab RCM) often involves multiple administrative steps. Because of this, most labs use a laboratory billing system (lab billing software) to handle medical bill generation, claims and payment processing, and revenue collection.
However, a modern pathology information system can incorporate laboratory billing functions within the LIS workflow so 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, thereby optimizing net collections. Labs benefit from full payment for their services and much fewer denials.
LIS Systems and Technical Support
Today’s advanced pathology LIS systems can offer customized laboratory workflow management 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 director, manager, and technicians access the features effectively.
This level of 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 directors and managers should confirm this as part of the package when speaking and negotiating with potential laboratory information system companies.
Learn More: Why Medical Labs Should Consider Deeper Alignment with Their LIS System Partner
Final Thoughts on Pathology Management Software and LIS Systems
Pathology management software/laboratory information systems like the LigoLab Informatics Platform offer technological solutions to managing large amounts of patient and specimen data.
This serves as the core of a laboratory information system functions and empowers laboratories to serve patients better, differentiate themselves in the marketplace, scale their operations, and become more compliant and profitable.
To learn more about LigoLab - an LIS company that produces advanced pathology lab report software for growing clinical labs and pathology groups - contact a product specialist and request a brief introductory call.
Speak with a LigoLab Specialist Today!
