Blog
Pathology Lab Management Software
January 20, 2025
Every anatomic pathology practice and clinical laboratory needs an effective pathology lab management system. Sample tracking and patient and sample data management are the basic elements of any medical lab operation, as pathology management software such as laboratory information systems (LIS systems). That’s because a manual pathology specimen tracking system and manual clinical lab workflow are time-consuming and are often subject to human error – which is far from ideal and threatens patient safety.
To ensure smooth pathology lab management and innovative operations, medical labs increasingly employ modern laboratory information system software that leverages rules and automation and features several important modules and supporting engines that allow for a seamless and efficient lab business.
Let’s explore and discuss how these LIS lab solutions contribute to efficient and optimized laboratory workflow management.
Learn More: Leveraging LigoLab for Optimal Return on Investment: An LIS System Guide for Lab Directors
The Importance of Clinical Laboratory Management Software
Just as electronic health records (EHR) have become central to hospitals and clinics running smoothly, advanced clinical laboratory management software remains key to running an efficient and profitable lab business.
Two laboratory software systems are available to lab directors and managers, but only one type is truly geared toward clinical laboratory management.
Lab information system software (LIS software) focuses on test results and patient information; this solution is patient-centric and designed by laboratory information system companies to be flexible in terms of customization and highly connective in terms of interoperability with other laboratory software systems.
Case Study: How to Triple Productivity & Boost Net Collections by 35% with LigoLab Informatics Platform
Laboratory information management system software (lab LIMS software) is geared toward batch sample management in non-medical environments like chemical, environmental, and food and beverage labs. Even though “LIS system” and “Lab LIMS” are often used interchangeably throughout the medical lab industry, this is changing fast as modern laboratory information system functions are becoming more medical laboratory-specific with each passing day.
What is Clinical Laboratory Management Software?
Laboratory software systems like the LigoLab LIS & RCM Laboratory Informatics Platform are examples of laboratory information systems used for clinical laboratory management to improve a lab’s productivity.
A modern LIS laboratory information system is a team member, a manager, and an administrator. It automates laboratory workflow management and tracks all aspects of a laboratory's operational processes. It ensures all instruments and analyzers are working properly, and it helps manage efficiency and costs by expertly tracking samples and standardizing protocols so no human errors occur.
LIS software vendors note the best LIS software can be optimized for each medical laboratory to support the lab’s unique needs even as basic laboratory information system functions center on keeping track of patient data, samples, and test results.
With the help of this powerful type of clinical laboratory management software, laboratories can be sure that they adhere to quality standards and are compliant with regulatory requirements. By selecting the best laboratory information system for their needs, they can maximize the efficiency of all laboratory processes, and effectively and optimally allocate their staff and resources to benefit the business.
On-Demand Webinar: How Standardization and Enhanced Reporting Capabilities Improve Lab Workflow and Overall Business Operations
The Benefits of Modern LIS Laboratory Information System Software
Every medical lab has specific needs, and the best laboratory information system software must be adaptable. For example, anatomic pathology software/anatomic pathology LIS systems must interface with instrumentation far different than molecular LIS/ molecular lab testing software. As such, the best LIS lab software can be completely personalized for the laboratory that uses it.
There are basic features all pathology LIS systems contain, and here is a list that includes examples of these features.
Help with Specimen Tracking and Management
One of the key functions of all LIS healthcare solutions is the effective management and tracking of the samples passing through the lab. This includes protocols for safekeeping, proper handling, data quality, and a proper chain of testing procedures. It also covers shipment and transport, inventory location, and keeping track of prior testing procedures and results.
Laboratory Workflow Management of Instruments and Inventory
The best LIS software can monitor the lab’s instruments, work schedule, and maintenance. This can include a variety of tasks such as keeping track of storage capacity, giving instructions for proper usage, notification of possible dysfunctionality of an instrument, and so on.
Help with Laboratory and Team Management
LIS system software helps with the proper management of the workforce and instruments. It can ensure efficient timelines, use of resources, queued samples, and procedures. With its help, lab directors and managers can productively allocate people, equipment, and resources to optimize clinical lab workflow.
Pathology Lab Reporting Software and Data Analysis
Rather than needing separate pathology lab software, advanced LIS medical systems will take care of data analysis and results reporting, two crucial aspects of laboratory workflow management. The laboratory information extracted from samples can be compiled, shared, audited, and analyzed with advanced LIS system technology.
Compliance with Regulations and Protocols
Strict procedures are required when working with samples, reagents, and pathogens for storage, handling, and conduct. Laboratory information system LIS can automate these processes to ensure compliance with regulations. These LIS systems facilitate routine quality control assessments and reports to regulatory agencies.
Secure Data Storage and Easy Sharing
The best laboratory information system software ensures that confidential patient data will be protected. For example, an advanced LIS pathology management software uses cloud-based storage and thus makes sure that all the data and databases are safely kept, secured, and backed up. Furthermore, keeping digital impressions of results on a cloud solution ensures easy communication and result sharing with other laboratories, hospitals, clients, or institutions.
Laboratory Billing and Lab Revenue Cycle Management
An advanced lab information system like LigoLab’s all-in-one medical LIS with billing software for labs underlines the importance of laboratory billing/lab revenue cycle management (lab RCM) features in the LIS system’s infrastructure. While separate medical laboratory billing software is an option, an all-in-one medical LIS and lab revenue cycle management solution allows for automated lab billing with much fewer denials, secure transactions, timely payments, and much better overall revenue capture.
The best LIS software will seamlessly combine patient demographics, lab requests, medical insurance data, and financial information in one united clinical lab workflow to reduce denials and the time spent processing insurance claims and chasing payments.
White Paper: The Connected Laboratory: Leveraging Medical LIS & Lab RCM Workflow to Grow Your Lab Business
Other Uses for Clinical Laboratory Management Software
Laboratory information system/LIS software solutions can be implemented in various lab environments to centralize all processes and create efficiency that leads to scalability. The basic functionalities are the same; however, each type is customized for specific needs.
Whatever the lab environment, LIS systems ensure all steps and requirements are taken and protocols followed. That list can include the following.
- Time management
- Cost management
- Preparation, storage, and processing of samples
- Data collection and storage of information
- Compliance with standard operating procedures
The best laboratory information system software saves time and resources and standardizes clinical lab workflow, which is critical for all types of diagnostic testing.
Learn More: Stability and Performance: The Two Most Important Aspects of a Modern Laboratory Operation
The Last Word on Laboratory Information System Software
LIS systems are the most important pathology management software. They enable lab staff to conduct and manage laboratory work by coordinating sample handling, sample tracking, procedural standardization, data storage, team and resource management, and laboratory billing.
Modern LIS software has the power to transform an entire lab. It’s one of the most valued “team members” in a laboratory, regardless of whether it’s customized anatomic pathology LIS software, molecular LIS software, or a broader LIS system for other clinical lab workflow.
