The Role of Anatomic Pathology Software in Optimizing Laboratory Workflow Management

Anatomic pathology is considered the most direct method to diagnose complex health issues. The method is used across specialties to determine the status of a disease. Anatomic pathology along with clinical testing builds 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 abbreviation medical) is pathology lab reporting software that enhances laboratory workflow by automating several manual steps. Laboratory information system vendors design pathology lab software solutions to help 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 laboratory information system or LIS system software designed to manage the laboratory workflow of an anatomic pathology lab environment.

Lab information systems are divided into two broad categories: clinical pathology (LIS medical) and anatomic pathology (LIS pathology). Other variations of LIS systems are also available, but these two LIS software solutions are the most widely used.

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

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

In anatomic pathology, the LIS system uses tissue samples from biopsies or whole organs to diagnose a disease condition. The two types of laboratory information systems thus vary in pathology lab management, or the routines applied to specimen collection, sample tracking, and report generation.

The anatomic pathology lab information system (anatomical pathology software) can be a module within a large, 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 (EHRs and EMRs).  

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LIS Systems: Pathology Lab Software Built for Pathologists

Anatomic pathology LIS systems (LIS pathology) assist highly specialized Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) physicians with quick results and efficient case management. The anatomical pathology LIS model offers an end-to-end solution that includes entering the order into the LIS software, generating labels and barcodes, integrating pathology 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 pathology lab software can be configured to match the demands of your changing operations and pathologists can leverage laboratory data for improved laboratory workflow and higher-quality results.

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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 (LIS pathology) help to manage laboratory workflow, track inventory, and generate reports. 

Additionally, the best LIS systems fully support laboratory revenue cycle management (lab RCM), offering an in-house laboratory billing solution. 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 Reporting

Laboratory information systems facilitate faster and more effective communication between pathologists, lab technicians, and the physicians they both serve. With modern laboratory information systems (pathology software), labs and doctors can track the progress of a sample from collection to reporting. Rather than needing separate pathology lab reporting software, the LIS system delivers reports to the physician seamlessly (with no delays) and without middleware. 

Improved Data Access

The retrieval of historical data also becomes quick and easy with the help of a modern laboratory information system. This improves patient outcomes by enabling the physician to access the complete patient history, including all anatomic pathology lab test results, for faster diagnosis and closer monitoring.

Flexible for the Needs of Each Pathology Lab

Flexible lab information systems backed by experienced LIS software vendors like the LigoLab’s Informatics Platform can be used in both general and specialized anatomical pathology centers and are customizable for different sizes of facilities and their specific requirements. 

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

Compared to general pathology reporting software, lab vendors specializing in anatomic pathology lab LIS systems are better tuned to the specific needs of the anatomic pathology practice, providing improved interfacing with lab equipment and customization of reports. 

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 a smoother, faster laboratory workflow management and ultimately increased productivity and revenue.

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The Bottom Line on LIS Systems and Anatomic Pathology 

LIS systems engineered to support anatomic pathology 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 an integrated digital pathology solution. As a result, the entire process can be automated, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of your laboratory.

LigoLab - We Help Labs Modernize and Grow Efficiently 

From Latin, “Ligo” means to unite or connect and that’s precisely what LigoLab Informatics Platform does for its LIS system partners. LigoLab is a LIS company that provides modern, turnkey, and agile pathology lab software solutions tailored to the specific requirements of all diagnostic disciplines, including molecular, clinical, reference, and anatomic pathology laboratories.

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To learn more about LigoLab’s pathology reporting software, click here to set up a brief call or a software demonstration with one of our talented LIS system software specialists.

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