The Role of Anatomic Pathology LIS Software in Optimizing Laboratory Workflow Management

Anatomic pathology is considered the most direct method to diagnose complex health issues, and it is used across specialties to determine the status of a disease. 

Anatomic pathology and clinical testing build the foundation of diagnostic medicine. Collecting tissues, preparing microscope slides, examining the samples, capturing the findings, and producing the result is a long laboratory workflow management process that demands the utmost precision and efficient coordination from lab personnel and its diagnostic lab software.

A laboratory information system (LIS) is pathology lab reporting software that enhances clinical lab workflow by automating several manual steps. Laboratory information system vendors design pathology lab software to facilitate communication and collaboration between medical professionals handling specimens at each stage of clinical testing and diagnosis. 

In addition to having a pathology specimen tracking system, the pathology lab reporting software also helps with patient management, data and sample tracking, and quality assurance.

This article considers how laboratory information system software optimizes anatomic pathology LIS laboratory workflow management and assists pathologists by automating much of the process. It further elaborates on the interoperability between anatomical pathology software and digital pathology workflow.

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What is Pathology Lab Reporting Software?

Pathology lab reporting software is a specialized lab information system or LIS system software designed to manage the laboratory workflow of an anatomic pathology lab environment.

Laboratory information systems are divided into two broad categories: clinical pathology (LIS medical) and anatomic pathology (LIS pathology). Other variations of LIS systems, such as a molecular LIS, are also available, but the first two LIS software solutions are the most widely used.

The functionality of the two widely used types of laboratory information systems often overlaps due to the commonalities between laboratory workflows. However, small but significant differences make each of these two LIS systems unique. 

In clinical pathology, medical LIS systems manage the collection and processing of biochemical samples (such as bodily fluids) to analyze hormonal or chemical levels. 

In anatomic pathology, pathology LIS systems use tissue samples from biopsies or whole organs to diagnose a disease condition. 

Thus, the two laboratory information systems vary in pathology lab management and the routines applied to specimen collection, sample tracking, and report generation.

The anatomic pathology software can be a module within an all-inclusive pathology lab management system or a standalone LIS software integrated with other healthcare management systems, such as electronic health records and electronic medical records (EHR and EMR).  

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Anatomic Pathology LIS Systems: LIS Software Built for Pathologists

Anatomic pathology LIS systems assist pathologists - highly specialized doctors - with quick results and efficient case management. The anatomical pathology software model offers an end-to-end solution that includes entering the order into the LIS, generating labels and barcodes, integrating sample tracking, scanning documents, generating reports, quality control, and compliance. 

The LIS system’s direct digital interface with microscopes and whole slide scanners helps with digitization and image acquisition (supporting digital pathology solutions). 

The LIS pathology lab software can be configured to match the demands of changing operations, and pathologists can leverage laboratory data to improve laboratory workflow and achieve higher-quality results.

Learn More: LigoLab’s Anatomic Pathology Lab Solutions

How Laboratory Information Systems Optimize Pathology Lab Management

The complex challenges of heavy workload and digitization facing the anatomic pathology lab environment demand the implementation of high-performing and advanced laboratory information systems. Lab information systems help to manage laboratory workflow, track inventory, and generate reports - all critical elements of effective pathology lab management.

The best LIS systems fully support laboratory revenue cycle management (lab RCM) by offering advanced in-house laboratory billing solutions. Real-time tracking of collected specimens improves lab workflow, optimizes time management, and reduces errors like lost or mislabeled specimens. 

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Seamless LIS System Reporting

Modern laboratory information systems facilitate faster and more effective communication between pathologists, lab technicians, and the physicians they serve by allowing them to track the progress of a sample from collection to reporting with advanced laboratory information system functions. 

Rather than needing separate pathology lab reporting software, these modern LIS systems deliver reports to the physician seamlessly (with no delays) and without middleware. 

LIS System Data Access

With a modern laboratory information system, retrieving historical data becomes fast and effortless. Physicians are empowered with comprehensive access to a patient’s complete history - including all anatomic pathology test results - leading to quicker diagnoses and improved patient monitoring.

LIS System Flexibility

Flexible laboratory information systems backed by experienced LIS software vendors can be used in general and specialized anatomical pathology centers because they are customizable for different facilities and their specific requirements. 

Whether a multi-site, multi-facility lab or a single-site organization with limited capacity, the best LIS laboratory information system vendors offer advanced anatomic pathology LIS software suitable for all operational sizes and throughputs. 

Compared to general pathology lab report software, LIS vendors specializing in anatomic pathology LIS systems are better tuned to the practice and provide improved interfacing with lab equipment and report customizations. 

So, whether the focus is cytopathology or histology, LIS systems with a robust LIS pathology module excel because they are adaptable to the laboratory’s specific needs. This leads to smoother, faster laboratory workflow management and ultimately increased productivity and revenue.

Case Study: Summit Pathology - Achieving Laboratory Profitability Amidst Operational Pressures

The Bottom Line on Anatomic Pathology LIS Systems 

LIS systems engineered to support anatomical pathology software enable labs to produce accurate test results within an acceptable time. These laboratory information systems have made significant progress during the last two decades, and modern pathology lab reporting software comes with integrated digital pathology solutions. As a result, the entire process can be automated, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of your laboratory.

Case Study: OnePath - Transforming Pathology Lab Management Through Digital Innovation

LigoLab - We Help Labs Modernize and Grow Faster 

From Latin, “Ligo” means to unite or connect - precisely what the LigoLab Informatics Platform does for its LIS system partners. 

LigoLab is a fast-growing LIS company that provides modern, turnkey, and agile medical LIS software and laboratory billing solutions tailored to the specific requirements of all diagnostic disciplines, including molecular, clinical, reference, and anatomic pathology laboratories.

Learn More: Navigating the Future of Pathology: The LigoLab Advantage

To learn more about LigoLab’s advanced LIS software solutions, click here to set up a brief call or a software demonstration with a talented product specialist.

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