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Laboratory Management Guide - Best Laboratory Information System Software and Best Practices
September 25, 2024
What’s the point of having the best LIS laboratory information system software and best LIS system practices if you don’t share them with others?
At LigoLab, as a proud supplier of advanced pathology lab software, we’ve been helping our anatomic pathology, clinical laboratory, and molecular diagnostics business partners grow and thrive since 2006. From our humble beginnings as a LIS software startup to now, we’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some of the most dynamic and forward-thinking medical laboratories in the country, and over that time we’ve gained an expertise in the laboratory information system software domain that few can match.
Learn More: How LigoLab is Shaping the Future of Clinical Labs & Pathology Groups
We maintain regular contact with our partner labs and we take ownership in the fact that our informatics platform continues to evolve daily, helping our partners deliver new and better ways to serve their customers and support the best patient care. In turn, these same labs are constantly evaluating their own lab workflow and LIS system and laboratory billing processes.
Nothing is static.
This blog post will be the first in a series that highlights the challenges labs continue to face, plus the best LIS software solutions these labs have employed to better serve their customers and grow their businesses.
Learn More: Essential Anatomic Pathology LIS Software Features to Optimize Laboratory Workflow
LigoLab’s Laboratory Information System (LIS) Survey Results
Recently we asked several of our partner labs to participate in a four-question laboratory information system survey. We wanted to get a better understanding of how they were using the LigoLab informatics platform to create more lab workflow efficiency and increase overall organizational productivity.
Here is a sample of the responses we received.
What recent lab workflow changes supported by the LIS have made the biggest difference in terms of your lab’s efficiency and throughput?
Shamim A. (LIS Administrator- San Diego, CA)
The biggest change we’ve made to our lab workflow has been increased usage of LigoLab’s send-out module and reworking our CPT generation.
The send-out module is used more often now since we've added a few clients that require further testing sent to reference labs. This led to the implementation of various report template macros, an addendum process, and the creation of dynamic reports to easily track the additional testing ordered on send-out cases. This has made a huge difference in terms of tracking cases and has been very useful to us.
Initially, we had CPT generation configured on a lab test basis, but with increased surgical and non-gyn work over the last year, it made more sense to consolidate CPT generation on a site-by-site basis. Wherever it was possible we simplified the grossing process by tying in multiple fields to the operation performed on a given specimen (i.e. fine-needle aspiration, biopsy, etc.). Depending upon the specimen type, different operations generate CPTs and other associated templates accordingly. This has greatly customized and simplified the grossing process, and we've also tied this CPT automation into our send-out processes where applicable.
Learn More: The Future of Medical Labs: Embracing Tech & LIS System Personalization
Darlene S. (Project Manager - Tampa, FL)
The addition of LIS system specimen tracking functionality to manage cases. We are now able to track the entire life cycle of cases and all the specimens associated with them from order entry to grossing, processing, embedding, microtome, staining, histology case assembly, case distribution, case sign-out, and archival.
Learn More: How LigoLab’s Pathology Specimen Tracking System Software is Reducing Lab Errors & Enhancing Patient Safety
Roxane R. (Chief Administrative Officer - Baton Rouge, LA)
Barcoded specimens, cassettes, and slides in histology. In addition to creating specimen security and sample tracking, elimination of the manual labor associated with the histology process increased our efficiency and eliminated the manual labeling errors.
Learn More: The Role of Anatomic Pathology LIS Software in Optimizing Laboratory Workflow Management
Steve F. (LIS Administrator - Santa Fe Springs, CA)
We've added batch scanning to worklists in our microbiology department. This allows our micro techs to scan in the samples they have in front of them to a worklist, versus the way they were doing it before, which was trying to locate the sample from a queue and add it to a worklist.
Pam E. (Billing Analyst - Pensacola, FL)
We brought LEAN methodology into our practice to help with efficiency and reduce waste.
At LigoLab, we’d like to take a moment to thank all of those users who took precious time out of their busy days to participate in the LIS system survey. Our next post in the series will focus on the challenges, frustrations, and obstacles holding back laboratory growth and how an advanced lab information system can help lab directors and managers overcome the obstacles.
Learn More: Four Game-Changing Business Strategies to Improve Laboratory Processes
Tips on How to Grow a Large-Scale Lab Operation
For those lab operators who have successfully grown their start-up anatomic pathology practices or clinical/reference laboratories into thriving mid-sized businesses with solid reputations and client bases, congratulations. That’s quite an achievement in today's lab industry environment.
Now the question becomes, “How do we go from a successful mid-sized company to a large-scale operation?”
First, understand that transitioning from a mid-sized to a large-scale lab presents its own new set obstacles. Next, consider these key strategies.
Avoid Decision Paralysis: As a smaller operation, decisions likely involve input from all stakeholders. While engagement is important, it can sometimes lead to decision paralysis when consensus is difficult to reach. Ron Ashkenas, in his Harvard Business Review article “Leading a Midsize Business Through Change,” emphasizes that the key issue isn’t how many people are involved but rather how they are involved. He suggests that core decisions should be made by a small, trusted leadership team, such as the CEO and key executives. After a decision is reached, the broader team should focus on communication and implementation. Following this approach can streamline decision-making and prevent delays.
Guiding Principles for Managing Change: Ashkenas offers two principles for businesses navigating change: First, be clear on whether you are gathering input or making a decision. Second, ensure that a dedicated leader is engaged throughout the process. Applying these principles to your lab’s context will help clarify roles and responsibilities during times of growth and change.
Streamlining with Integrated Laboratory Information Systems (LIS Systems): One of the common pitfalls for growing labs is the use of multiple, disparate laboratory software systems. This “laboratory information system monster” can create inefficiencies, data silos, and maintenance challenges. Integrated LIS software platforms, such as the LigoLab Informatics Platform, offer an all-in-one solution by unifying all departments and processes into a single source of truth. For example, LigoLab’s comprehensive platform includes over a dozen embedded modules designed to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and support growth. These modules range from integration engines and laboratory outreach solutions to business intelligence and advanced automation, ensuring that all aspects of your lab’s operations are cohesive and efficient.
Learn More: Navigating the Future of Pathology: The LigoLab Advantage
Choosing the Right LIS Partner: When selecting an LIS system software provider, it’s essential to differentiate between traditional LIS vendors and true laboratory informatics partners. Legacy LIS systems often come with large upfront costs, hidden fees, and limited responsiveness to user feedback. In contrast, LigoLab’s approach is aligned with your lab’s growth, offering tiered pricing based on testing volume with no upfront capital investment required. This partnership LIS model supports your lab’s scalability without financial penalties, ensuring that the full LIS software suite is available without additional costs for new modules or users.
Learn More: What You Need to Know Before Contracting with a Laboratory Information System (LIS) Company
A Partnership for Long-Term Success: LigoLab’s commitment extends beyond pathology software delivery; it includes ongoing research, development, and enhancements tailored to the evolving needs of partner laboratories. This dedication to innovation ensures that your lab is equipped to handle current challenges and future industry changes. With the right pathology lab software partner, your lab can achieve operational excellence and sustainable growth.
To learn more about how LigoLab can support your lab’s journey from LIS system implementation to long-term success, consider scheduling a discovery call with one of their product specialists.
