A Lab Information System (LIS) describes any software that automates, partly or fully, the business processes for a laboratory. This includes recording patient information, logging & tracking specimens, specimen label printing, integration with lab devices, billing, and display and analysis of test results. With an automated LIS, a physician can request a test or a set of tests through the Computerized Physician Order Entery (CPOE) system, and the lab staff can receive and track these requests until the results are finalized and published. “In the fully automated laboratory, the LIS can direct robotic transport systems and instruments that complete tests from start to finish” (Kyes, 2007)

Components of an LIS:

  • Order Entry: This is where the physician electronically orders a test. This can be a separate system (CPOE) that interfaces with the LIS through HL7 (or other protocols) or a function inside the LIS itself.
  • Order Processing: This is where the lab staff track and process the tests.
  • Laboratory Devices: Those are the devices used to perform the actual tests. The digital devices allow for seamless interfacing with the LIS where the results of a test (e.g. CBC) are automatically sent to the LIS upon completion of the test and added to the appropriate patient record.
  • Results Display: This is where the lab staff and physicians view the results of the test, both for a single patient, and aggregated statistics for a group of patients
  • Interfacing Engine: This is the engine that connects the different components of an LIS and allow for bi-directional communication. Read the rest of this entry