News
Remembering COVID: TestDirectly links Laboratories, Physicians, Employers, and Government Agencies for Efficient COVID-19 Collection, Testing, and Reporting
March 24, 2025
Editor’s Note: On May 11, 2023, the World Health Organization officially announced the end of the global COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
While much of the world has moved on, the healthcare community - especially those in the medical laboratory information system (LIS software) and clinical laboratory management space - remains reflective of the critical lessons learned to better prepare for future infectious disease threats.
Learn More: End of the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Declaration
At LigoLab, supporting our laboratory partners during the pandemic was a top priority. We remained closely aligned with their evolving needs, delivering innovative LIS system software solutions that helped them quickly adapt.
From optimizing clinical lab workflow to protecting patients and providers, our efforts were driven by collaboration and a shared mission to safeguard public health.
One of the most powerful takeaways from this time was witnessing the resilience of our partners on the front lines. Their adaptability and determination continue to inspire us and reflect the strength of the medical LIS software community and the broader laboratory industry.
Learn More: Best LIS Software – Maximize Growth With Cutting-Edge Pathology Lab Management Software
With that perspective, we invite you to revisit this LigoLab case news release from July 2020 and reflect on the challenges, innovations, and progress made during an extraordinary chapter in U.S. healthcare.
TestDirectly Boosts COVID-19 Testing Revenue and Efficiency with Seamless, Web-Based Portal for Labs, Patients, and Employers
Los Angeles, CA - The TestDirectly direct-to-consumer lab testing portal is a dynamic, web-based application designed to help medical laboratories increase COVID-19 testing volume and revenue.
The TestDirectly portal directly links employers to medical laboratories and increases the efficiency and effectiveness of COVID-19 testing. It connects patients, companies/organizations/schools, collection centers, laboratories, and physicians for fast, safe, and easy direct-to-consumer lab testing.
TestDirectly expedites lab services and creates direct-to-consumer labs using QR codes and mobile devices for rapid and remote patient data collection. Patients can self-register, check symptoms, consult a doctor, and book an appointment at the nearest collection center.
Patients are next notified through email or SMS text when their results are ready to be viewed in the portal within 2-3 days of sample collection (more about TestDirectly results time HERE).
Learn More: Introducing TestDirectly, One of LigoLab’s Most Powerful Supporting Modules
TestDirectly Powers Scalable, Contactless COVID-19 Testing with LIS System Integration and Real-Time Reporting
The TestDirectly direct-to-consumer lab testing portal supports contactless clinical lab workflow for drive-through, on-site/dispatched sample collections, and at-home collections (with telemedicine included). The portal integrates with LIS laboratory information system software and test instrumentation while providing secure communications with state and national registries.
TestDirectly (TestDirectly.com) has already created direct-to-consumer labs. It partnered with Northwest Laboratory (Bellingham, Washington) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) to conduct a baseline test of the state’s long-term care (LTC) residents and staff for COVID-19. Through this partnership, 150,000 tests were processed in less than three weeks.
TestDirectly provided FDOH with a desktop application to monitor real-time TestDirectly results time and infection prevalence. With this level of transparency, the department could quickly isolate and initiate contact tracing for positive results. It also relieved Northwest Laboratory from doing any case follow-up after results were shared with stakeholders.
TestDirectly Expands Nationwide, Connecting Direct-to-Consumer Labs and Employers to Support Safe Return-to-Work Testing Programs
The TestDirectly platform continues to expand its reach across the U.S., supporting laboratories that perform COVID-19 testing and businesses implementing testing protocols to ensure a safe workplace.
From large corporations to small businesses, TestDirectly empowers employers to manage their testing populations while seamlessly connecting them with trusted laboratories committed to delivering fast, reliable results.
How TestDirectly and the All-in-One LigoLab Informatics Platform Work Together to Power Seamless, Scalable Diagnostic Testing
TestDirectly is a direct-to-consumer lab testing portal developed by LigoLab, an enterprise pathology lab software development company.
LigoLab is best known for its all-in-one medical LIS and laboratory billing solution, the LigoLab LIS & RCM Laboratory Informatics Platform, with TestDirectly extending the functionality of the core lab information system by providing a patient-facing interface that enables streamlined, end-to-end digital workflows for COVID-19 and other diagnostic testing.
Learn More: Six Reasons Why You Should Choose an Integrated Laboratory Billing Solution for Your Medical Lab
Here’s how the TestDirectly and LigoLab relationship works:
- Built by LigoLab: TestDirectly was developed as a complementary solution to LigoLab’s laboratory informatics platform. It’s designed to eliminate the bottlenecks of manual processes - like paper requisitions and manual data entry - by enabling contactless registration, scheduling, and results delivery.
- Fully Integrated Clinical Lab Workflow: When a laboratory uses both LigoLab and TestDirectly, the two platforms work together seamlessly. TestDirectly handles patient intake, appointment scheduling, and reporting, while LigoLab manages the backend laboratory operations, including accessioning, processing, quality control, and lab billing (lab revenue cycle management).
- Accelerated Turnaround Times: By digitizing and automating the entire case lifecycle - from patient self-registration to result delivery - TestDirectly results time helps labs using LigoLab (or any other LIS software) significantly increase their testing capacity and improve turnaround times.
- Scalable for Public Health and Employers: TestDirectly connects labs with government agencies, long-term care facilities, schools, and employers, enabling scalable and secure testing programs across multiple sites and populations.
TestDirectly is the direct-to-consumer lab testing front end, while LigoLab is the laboratory’s operational and financial engine. Together they form a powerful, fully integrated informatics platform that supports modern, high-volume, and patient-centered, diagnostic testing.
LigoLab Delivers Integrated Lab Pathology Software Solutions to Streamline Operations and Boost Laboratory Profitability
LigoLab is a healthcare technology company that offers an all-in-one pathology lab software platform integrating laboratory information system functions with advanced laboratory billing solutions.
Founded in 2006 and based in Los Angeles, LigoLab’s platform streamlines the entire lab workflow - from order entry to in-house lab billing - enhancing efficiency, reducing errors, and improving compliance.
Known for its scalability, flexibility, and robust LIS system/lab billing automation, LigoLab supports all lab types and provides real-time analytics to drive smarter decisions. The pathology software company is recognized for its customer-focused service and ongoing innovation, helping labs grow sustainably while delivering high-quality patient care.
