Lab technicians and physicians use lab information systems (LIS) to coordinate varieties of outpatient and inpatient medical testing, which include chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunology. Basic lab information systems typically have features which manage order entry, patient check in, result entry, patient demographics, and specimen processing. An LIS stores and tracks clinical data about an individual during a laboratory visit and keeps the details stored in its database for future reference.
History of LIMS
The first generation of LIMS, in 1982, was presented in the form of one centralized minicomputer that provided labs the initial chance to use automated reporting tools. As interest in those early LIMS increased, industry leaders such as Gerst Gibbon of Pittsburgh’s Federal Energy Technology Center started to plant the seeds via LIMS-associated conferences. As PCs became more prominent and powerful, the 3rd generation of LIMS emerged within the 1990s. Those new LIMS took advantage of server/client architecture, permitting labs to implement better information exchanges and processing.
Why LIS Software Is Important for Practices
For doctors, surgeons, physicians, etc. can greatly benefit from the use of LIS software. Imagine a software that has been created by those who know everything there is to know about the lab information systems. Tried and tested, LIS software has received the stamp of approval and greatly enhances the organization within a practice as well as the efficiency. LIS software is a cost effective solution because it is eliminating the man hours required to plug in pertinent data. While there is always concerns for error – utilizing LIS software minimizes this by a lot. Humans are far more apt to have computing errors than software that has been run through rigorous quality control.
Largest Factors to Consider
The largest factor to consider honestly is if integrated an LIS into your clinical lab to begin with. The LIS software is only one piece to the puzzle but is definitely worth the investment if your budget allows. You also want to consider the size of the lab, as well as the labor output. Every single lab if vastly different in their processes and methods and you also what to ensure that your LIS software is flexible to accommodate your particular needs.
Overall if you look at the advantages of utilizing LIS software, you and your company will work towards seeing the results you are looking for and ensuring your budget allows for the integration of an LIS and its software.