Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIS vs LIMS) for Data Management

Modern clinical and anatomic pathology labs produce a vast amount of patient and specimen data. Whether for patient care or research purposes, using the right pathology management software to track, store, and report on this data is crucial.

Laboratories benefit from pathology management software that can handle all this information input and storage, plus support more efficient lab workflow with features like a robust specimen tracking system. Pathology lab software helps with sample management, the organizing of records, and the automating of laboratory workflow processes like laboratory billing and direct-to-consumer lab testing.

In this blog post, we will review the key features of pathology management software and the benefits they offer in terms of clinical laboratory management.

What is Pathology Management Software?

Pathology management software is most often called a LIS or a LIMS, with LIS meaning medical laboratory information system software in a healthcare setting and LIMS meaning laboratory information management system software. Laboratory information systems and laboratory information management systems are the key to any productive medical lab because they help with many aspects of data management such as inputting, tracking, processing, reporting, and storing.

Be it LIS systems or lab LIMS, both play a significant role in a lab setting by improving efficiency and productivity. Modern versions of these pathology lab management systems have open architectures and also allow third-party integration to maximize interoperability.

How to Choose the Best LIS and the Best LIMS?

There are many LIS systems and lab LIMS software vendors in the market, and each pathology lab software has a different setup for information management and laboratory workflow. When deciding which pathology lab management system to invest in, consider the following questions:

  • Is the LIS system or lab LIMS built to handle the laboratory workflow processes for this specific lab? If not, is there an option to customize to suit the laboratory’s specific needs?
  • Does the pathology software support rules and automation that streamline lab workflow and reduce manual touchpoints?
  • Does the pathology lab reporting software offer full integration with the laboratory’s instruments?
  • Will the LIS system or lab LIMS also support lab billing and laboratory revenue cycle management? If not, will a separate lab RCM or lab billing software be required, and how will they interface?
  • What are the data storage and security options? Is data stored on local servers or the cloud? Does the pathology information system offer scalability as the laboratory’s business grows?
  • What reporting options does the pathology lab management system offer, and are these reports customizable? Does it interface with electronic health records (EHRs), or enable access through an online provider and patient portals?

A laboratory manager should have clear objectives when purchasing pathology software to ensure it meets the organization’s needs. For instance, forward-thinking managers most often conclude that a single, integrated laboratory information system that can provide for the laboratory’s current and future needs is a valuable investment and worth the cost. With “One source of truth” there’s no fingerpointing among multiple LIS software vendors when there’s an issue. Instead, the lab works with one LIS company that provides an integrated, all-in-one solution and takes full responsibility for all laboratory informatics, allowing the laboratory partner to concentrate on what it does best.

Core LIS System and LIMS Lab Management Software Benefits

Getting the right LIS system or the right lab LIMS solution is key to successful laboratory operations and management in clinical labs. At their core, laboratory information systems and laboratory information management systems streamline sample management and bring a range of benefits to the lab.

  • A pathology specimen tracking system helps with lab sample tracking to ensure safekeeping, proper handling, and correct testing of the samples within the lab.
  • Integration of the LIS system or lab LIMS software with EHRs and laboratory instruments removes much of the need for manual data entry. Not only does this lab interface system setup reduce human error, but it also reduces the workload on overstretched laboratory staff.
  • A LIS system or lab LIMS provides security and the ability to conveniently share documents online. These laboratory software systems enable security features so that only authorized users can access the data, thereby ensuring patients’ private data is protected.

Available Advanced Features of Pathology Management Software

Today’s advanced pathology management software offers more than just clinical laboratory management capabilities. These solutions boost the growth and performance of labs through additional features.

Ability to Report and Analyze

Modern pathology management software incorporates data analysis, lab report production, and database backup without the need for separate pathology lab reporting software. Lis systems like LigoLab Informatics Platform facilitate integrated reporting and offer custom template formats to fit the needs of each lab and their specific client preferences.

Functional Workflow Management

A LIS system or lab LIMS does not just automate sample processes: it also helps in laboratory workflow management and team coordination. Of all the benefits of a laboratory information system or laboratory information management system, workflow optimization can have the greatest impact on the lab’s profit margins.

Medical LIS software to automate lab workflow helps with laboratory staff management in that procedures are already set, leading to greater efficiency and productivity. When these standard operating procedures are followed, it leads to accurate clinical results.

Compliance

A good LIS system or lab LIMS reduces the time spent by staff in handling compliance with standards and regulatory requirements. As an example, LigoLab’s informatics platform supports standardized operations to ensure quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) through accurate testing, reporting, and competent operations.

LigoLab’s QC module is important in the live monitoring of control data and in case of abnormal readings, an alert is sent. The QA infrastructure ensures all workflow steps are monitored, and lab operations are performed systematically and safely.

Integrated Laboratory Billing Solutions

Laboratory revenue cycle management (lab RCM) often involves multiple administrative steps. Because of this, most labs use a laboratory billing solution to handle medical bill generation, claims and payment processing, and revenue collection.

However, a modern laboratory information system or laboratory information management system can incorporate laboratory billing services so that financial services are automated and interwoven alongside laboratory information system functions. This enables labs to collect lab billing and insurance information as soon as the order is received, hence optimizing net collections. Labs benefit from full payment for their services and much fewer denials.

Technical Support

Today’s advanced LIS systems and lab LIMS software solutions can offer customized clinical laboratory management workflow to suit the lab’s size and the preferred procedures. To get the most out of a chosen laboratory information system, technical support must be on hand to help the laboratory manager and technicians access all the features and use them effectively. This support is not a given for all LIS software and LIMS providers. Sometimes support is provided on a limited basis and can serve as a potential hidden cost. If unlimited support is a high priority, lab managers should confirm this as part of the package when speaking and negotiating with potential LIS lab vendors and LIMS providers.

Final Thoughts on Pathology Management Software

Pathology management software like LigoLab Informatics Platform offers a technological solution to managing large amounts of patient and specimen data. This serves as the core of a laboratory information system and laboratory information management system that also empowers laboratories to better serve patients, differentiate themselves in the marketplace, scale their operations, and become more compliant and profitable.