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LigoLab’s Essential Tier: LIS Software Designed to Meet a Lab’s Basic Needs
November 6, 2024
A common frustration among medical lab operators is the lack of laboratory information systems (LIS systems, medical LIS) that fit their unique needs, lab workflow, and growth plans.
Unfortunately, a one-size-fits-all pathology lab reporting software mentality prevails throughout the industry, leaving independent clinical labs and pathology groups with few laboratory information systems to choose from that can deliver maximum value while catalyzing their future growth.
This is a tall order for most laboratory information system vendors, but not all. Some, like LigoLab Information Systems, have developed flexible laboratory information system/LIS software solutions that can be configured to fit today’s reality while offering labs the flexibility to scale up laboratory information system functions as their needs evolve.
This is an important consideration, especially for smaller labs and startups with limited budgets. A one-size-fits-all LIS model certainly doesn’t work for them, and the last thing they want to do is select a simplified lab information system that becomes a barrier to growth in a year or two, necessitating the egregious process of vetting another LIS company and going through another LIS system software implementation.
That’s where the LigoLab platform excels. It tailors its LIS lab solution with features and functionality that optimize efficiency and enhance decision-making to benefit the smaller lab. This provides a pathology software foundation and a clear roadmap for development and scalability.
At this stage, smaller labs shouldn’t have to pay for the enterprise version of a laboratory information system when they only need an essential package that includes fundamental healthcare LIS features such as order entry, result entry, basic reporting, and laboratory workflow management.
To accommodate a case like this, LigoLab has developed a four-level tiered pricing LIS model that includes the Essential Tier, Professional Tier, Advanced Tier, and Enterprise Tier.
Imagine (with just one button switch) changing your regular car into an SUV or an 18-wheeler. That’s what it’s like when a LigoLab customer grows to the point where it’s ready to upgrade from the Essential to the Professional Tier.
Learn More: Best Pathology Lab Reporting Software - 2025 Buyers Guide and Checklist
LigoLab’s LIS System Software for Small Pathology, Molecular, and Reference Laboratory Workflow Management
LigoLab’s Essential Tier is designed to meet the basic needs of laboratories and compares favorably with other simple laboratory information systems in the market. The major difference, of course, is the fact that labs partnering with LigoLab can start with the Essential Tier and then move into a higher tier and implement the desired configurations and modules at any time, all without having to invest in a whole new LIS laboratory information system software and go through another disruptive implementation.
Here’s a detailed look at what’s included in LigoLab’s Essential Tier.
Order Entry
The Order Entry module facilitates the efficient and accurate entry of test orders into the laboratory information system, thereby reducing manual touchpoints, minimizing errors, and enhancing overall laboratory efficiency at the pre-analytic stage.
Let’s examine the key laboratory information system functions included in this module:
- Demographics Capture: The module enables the seamless capture and verification of patient demographic information ensuring accurate coding, lab billing (lab revenue cycle management), and testing.
- Test Selection: The module intuitively prompts users to assign tests linked to each patient specimen.
- Integration with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Systems: The module connects with external EMR systems, enabling automatic data transfer and reducing manual entry errors.
- Insurance and Laboratory Billing Information: The module captures and validates insurance and laboratory billing information during order entry, facilitating a smooth lab revenue cycle management (lab RCM) process.
- Barcoded Sample Tracking: The module generates barcode labels for each specimen, enabling efficient real-time sample tracking throughout the testing process.
- Customizable Order Entry Workflow: The module allows labs to tailor the workflow to match their unique requirements. It supports ask-at-order-entry (AOE) questions, ensuring maximum operational efficiency at the earliest testing stages.
By integrating the order entry process with the rest of the lab's technical operations, LigoLab ensures a seamless, error-free, and efficient flow from order entry to result delivery, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and lab productivity.
Learn More: Maximizing Your Lab’s Profitability: The Case for In-House Lab Billing
Label Generation
LigoLab’s Order Entry and Workflow modules utilize a robust Label Generation feature that offers total visibility and control by producing unique ID assignments for each specimen or label generated for documents. This helps medical lab techs monitor and manage every specimen and document from initial entry to result delivery.
The Label Generation process begins in the Order Entry module. After a new test order is entered, the lab information system automatically generates a unique identifier for each specimen related to that order. This unique ID is crucial for maintaining accurate sample tracking and minimizing errors in the subsequent stages of the clinical laboratory workflow.
These unique identifiers are then used to generate barcode labels for each specimen. The generated labels provide a visual and scannable representation of the unique ID, enabling easy and accurate sample tracking as the specimen moves through the laboratory's testing process.
A key attribute of the Label Generation feature is its full configurability. Administrators can customize the design and layout of the label templates to meet their specific requirements, including certain details, barcode formatting, and label dimensions.
Working specifically with Zebra label printers in their native ZPL (Zebra Programming Language), LigoLab ensures accurate and high-quality label printing without drivers. This compatibility and focus on a leading brand in label printing technology underscores LigoLab's commitment to providing laboratories with LIS software tools and features that offer the highest level of performance and reliability.
The combination of unique ID assignment, barcoded labels, customizability, and quality printing ensures that each specimen within the LigoLab platform is accurately and efficiently managed, contributing significantly to the integrity of the lab’s overall operation.
Grossing
The Basic Gross Entry Capture module is designed to streamline and standardize specimen grossing in anatomic pathology laboratories. The anatomical pathology software module provides a straightforward and intuitive pathology information system interface for grossing technologists to record critical information about the specimens they are processing.
Technologists can enter relevant data upon receiving a specimen, including specimen type, dimensions, weight, color, and consistency. They can also record details about abnormalities, such as lesions or tumors, including their location, size, and appearance. The module allows technologists to document the number and location of sections taken for further microscopic examination. They can also include any special instructions or notes for the pathologist.
The Basic Gross Entry Capture module is designed to work with barcode scanners and label printers, enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk of errors. When a specimen is received, a unique barcode is generated and printed, which can be scanned at each step of the process to access and update the specimen's information.
In short, the module ensures that the data entered during the grossing process can be easily accessed and utilized in downstream LIS system processes, such as microscopic examination, diagnosis, and report generation. The anatomical pathology software module captures every detail of the grossing process, facilitating clear communication, accurate diagnoses, and high-quality patient care.
Histology
The Histology module offers features to support comprehensive laboratory workflow management while streamlining and automating laboratory processes from grossing to case sign-out.
After the grossing stage, operators are meticulously equipped to track the beginning and end times of block processing. This feature enables real-time monitoring of each step and identification of which processor was used for each block, significantly enhancing quality control (QC) by providing a complete overview of every specimen's journey.
During the embedding phase, operators are shown all relevant case details, including a crucial double-check of the number of fragments. This ensures no discrepancies exist, guaranteeing data accuracy while maintaining the specimen's integrity.
Scanning the cassette barcode at the microtome stage automatically generates the necessary slide labels, minimizing manual entry and the potential for human error. The medical LIS software also provides glass etching capabilities, adding a layer of data security and traceability for each specimen.
At the staining phase, the lab information system integrates with staining instruments, creating an interconnected, efficient lab workflow that eliminates manual steps and fosters even more accuracy.
Finally, as cases transition out of histology, the anatomic pathology LIS captures the sign-out of cases, ensuring that each step during processing is thoroughly documented and accounted for. This allows for easy case sample tracking and ensures the continuity and accuracy of the information throughout the laboratory workflow.
By incorporating these comprehensive histology features, small pathology labs will enjoy a fully integrated, automated, and efficient anatomic pathology software solution tailored specifically for modern histopathology lab workflow.
Learn More: LigoLab’s Anatomic Pathology Lab Solutions
Cytology
The Cytology module accommodates the specific LIS lab workflow and needs associated with gynecologic (GYN) and non-gynecologic (Non-GYN) cytology.
For GYN cytology, the laboratory information system is designed to manage and track all aspects of the workflow, from specimen receipt to final diagnosis. It supports various reporting protocols, including the Bethesda system, and ensures accurate reporting.
It provides full visibility of Pap smear and ancillary tests, accommodating the need for a streamlined, integrated laboratory workflow management that includes automated specimen adequacy assessment, cytotechnologist screening, quality control, and pathologist review processes. It can further interface with processors, automated slide preparation, and screening systems, streamlining lab workflow further.
For non-GYN cytology, LigoLab caters to the diverse array of specimen types and reporting needs inherent to this discipline. From body fluids and fine needle aspirations to brushings and washings, the module offers tailored workflows that ensure appropriate handling, processing, and reporting of each specimen type.
It provides end-to-end sample tracking of specimens, from the initial preparation through staining, interpretation, and final sign-out, ensuring comprehensive documentation and accountability at each step.
Moreover, the LIS system offers advanced imaging capabilities, including image acquisition and annotation, which can be invaluable in complex cases.
This module expertly facilitates seamless communication between laboratory personnel, fostering a collaborative approach to GYN and non-GYN cytology and patient care.
Molecular
The Molecular LIS module has been meticulously designed to handle the complexities and unique requirements of molecular diagnostic testing, which is often more complex than traditional pathology or laboratory medicine. This includes molecular LIS processes like DNA/RNA extraction, PCR setup, sequencing, and interpretation.
Based on customer preferences, the LIS system is designed to send preliminary reports as soon as a part of the testing process has been completed. This allows healthcare providers to act on critical information even while the remaining components of the testing process are still being completed, thus enabling more timely and effective patient care.
The Molecular LIS module also supports integrating data from numerous sources, including various instruments and other laboratory software systems, enhancing interoperability within the lab. It can track and manage all aspects of molecular lab software testing, from specimen receipt to final reporting, ensuring full traceability and compliance with all regulatory standards.
Worklists enable users to generate batches of samples and tests to run for specific instruments or workflows as needed, and a large batch of results can be released with a single click. This is an example of how the Molecular LIS module enables laboratories to efficiently and effectively conduct complex molecular diagnostic testing while ensuring clear, accurate, and timely communication of results.
Microbiology
LigoLab’s Microbiology module enables automated data capture from culture and sensitivity testing instruments, reducing manual data entry errors and expediting result reporting. The module also supports antimicrobial susceptibility testing, allowing labs to track patterns and integrate resistance data, which helps guide clinical decision-making. Additionally, the module offers real-time quality control and customizable workflows for specimen processing, pathogen identification, and report generation.
Clinical
The Clinical module is a robust and versatile LIS software solution that supports a broad spectrum of clinical laboratory management, directory services, and laboratory tests. It can manage a multitude of assays, from routine clinical tests to more complex molecular and genetic assays.
The module includes several key features to support the entire testing workflow. First, it allows for a seamless ordering process, with the ability to handle different test requests and unique order preferences. Batch orders, standing orders, and reflex testing can all be easily managed within the module hosted by the pathology information system.
Another pivotal feature of the Clinical module is its extensive capability to integrate with various laboratory instruments. This allows for the automatic transfer of test orders to the instruments and subsequent retrieval of the results, significantly reducing manual intervention and the associated risk of errors. The module can communicate with instruments using a variety of protocols and data formats, ensuring interoperability regardless of the diversity of equipment in a specific lab.
Moreover, with the licensing of the Rules Engine, this module can handle complex decision-making processes based on the test results. This includes auto-validation rules, reflex testing rules, and more. By automating these processes, the Clinical module ensures all laboratory information system operations are faster, more efficient, and less prone to errors.
The Clinical module supports comprehensive report generation and consolidates results from various tests and departments into one unified, easy-to-understand report. The module and LIS system also support different report formats and can deliver reports electronically to the ordering physicians or facilities.
The Clinical module represents a comprehensive laboratory information system software designed to streamline, automate, and enhance various aspects of clinical and reference laboratory operations, ultimately improving efficiency, accuracy, and patient care.
Result Entry
The Result Entry module is an integral part of the LigoLab platform that serves multiple departments, including anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, and molecular diagnostics. This module facilitates the accurate entry of test results, streamlining the path from data capture to report generation.
The Result Entry module provides a user-friendly interface to increase productivity and minimize human error. It supports various data entry formats, including free text, voice-to-text, predefined macros, and picklists, plus imports from instruments, calculated fields, and structured data, depending on the needs of each specific case type.
The module's logic helps reduce manual entry with automation. For example, the module may automatically update related fields or render decisions or diagnoses based on certain entered values.
Integration with the rest of the LigoLab platform ensures that result entry directly feeds into comprehensive report generation, linking all relevant case information, including clinical history, gross descriptions, microscopic descriptions, diagnoses, special stains, and ancillary study results.
Additionally, the module is designed with a full audit trail, capturing every modification, the user who made the change, the time of the change, and previous and new values, promoting transparency and aiding in quality control.
The Result Entry Module accelerates the result entry process, maintaining accuracy, promoting productivity, and integrating seamlessly with other aspects of the lab workflow.
Audit Trail
LigoLab’s robust audit trail functionality is extremely important because it enables our partner labs to operate within the guidelines of CAP, CLIA, HIPAA, and other regulatory agencies to mitigate compliance concerns and avoid penalties. It also helps to maintain data consistency, accuracy, and security across various processes within the lab and serves as an effective deterrent for unauthorized access or alterations.
LigoLab’s audit trail enables labs to easily review historical data and trace any issues or discrepancies to their source, thereby preventing potential fraud and errors. All values and activities within the laboratory information system are logged and monitored, and all modifications are tracked in real time.
For management, the audit trail, automatic log-off for user inactivity, and user permission and control settings provide transparency into all laboratory operations, offering insights into workflow efficiency, user activities, and protocol adherence.
Reporting
The Reporting module is a highly versatile and customizable pathology lab software tool that synthesizes all pertinent case information into a comprehensive and understandable format for final sign-out and distribution.
The module combines all the various components of a case, including clinical information, specimen data, test results, interpretations, and images, into a single, organized report. It can produce reports for all lab disciplines, including anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, molecular diagnostics, and all other departments.
The Reporting module also offers extensive flexibility and customization. Lab administrators can design templates that cater to the specific needs of their laboratory and clients maintaining their unique brand identity. The report layout, text formatting, logos, and even the data structure can be tailored to meet client preferences.
Going further, the Reporting module includes powerful automation features, such as automatically appending addendum reports to the original report, ensuring all relevant information is collected in a single, comprehensive document.
Another unique feature is the capacity to create cumulative patient reports, compiling data from multiple encounters over time to track and analyze the patient's progress and outcomes.
The Reporting module integrates with the Distribution module, automating report delivery via fax, secure email, direct interface, web portal, or hard copy printing, according to each client's preference.
The module is a key LIS lab tool that transforms complex data into an understandable, neat, and professional format and helps communicate valuable information to clinicians and improve patient care.
Read More: How LigoLab LIS Supports Lab Report Customization and Client Preferences
Support
Regular Support is an integral part of a foundational agreement with LigoLab. It addresses a broad spectrum of service needs, encompassing assistance with LIS software operation, resolution of minor issues, software updates, and everyday inquiries. Our Regular Support team is available during standard business hours Monday through Friday.
This level of support is ideally suited for general questions, assistance with non-urgent issues, and guidance on navigating and optimizing the usage of LigoLab’s laboratory information system platform. Customers can conveniently submit support requests via our dedicated customer support portal or email. This enables them to create, track, and manage the resolution of support tickets.
Our commitment to service remains even outside the standard business hours. We provide 24/7 support for critical issues and swiftly address any significant operational hitches.
Under Regular Support, our customer service team is committed to responding to support tickets within 24 hours, demonstrating our dedication to prompt and efficient service resolution.
LigoLab: Advanced Laboratory Information System Software Backed By Decades of Industry Experience
As you can see from our detailed look at the Essential Tier of the LigoLab Informatics Platform, we are laboratory information system vendors that base success on an intimate understanding of the unique needs of our laboratory partners, no matter what stage of business they are in.
Unlike legacy laboratory information system companies and the rigid LIS systems they market, our LIS company aligns with laboratory partners on price and functionality. We actively work daily to develop new modules and features that will help them leverage the power of the LIS system software to scale up as their needs evolve and opportunities arise.
If you’re searching for a foundational laboratory information system for your laboratory operations, contact us today to learn more about the Essential Tier.
