Glossary of Terms: Pathology & Lab Software Terminology

A

Accessioning: The process of receiving, identifying, and logging specimens into the LIS. Generates a unique identifier for each specimen.
AI (Artificial Intelligence): Technology to train machines or computers to perform human tasks.
Algorithm (AI/ML): In the context of a cloud LIS, this refers to the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to automate tasks, analyze data, and potentially assist pathologists (e.g., image analysis, slide pre-screening).
API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules and specifications that allow different software systems to communicate with each other. Crucial for integration with other hospital systems.
Application Server: In a cloud-based LIS, a remote computer which processes client device requests.
Audit Trail: A chronological record of all actions performed within the LIS, including user logins, data changes, and report generation. Essential for compliance and quality control.
Automation: The use of technology to perform tasks automatically, such as slide labeling, barcode scanning, and report distribution.

B

Base64 Encoding: A scheme used for encoding the PDF files for electronic transfers.
Barcode: A visual representation of data that can be scanned electronically, used for specimen tracking and identification.
Batch Processing: Processing multiple specimens or tasks simultaneously, improving efficiency.
Bi-directional Interface: An interface that allows data to flow in both directions between the LIS and another system (e.g., EHR, instruments).

C

CAP: College of American Pathologists
CLIA: Clinical Lab Improvement Amendments
Cloud Computing: The practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than relying on local servers.
CPT Codes (Current Procedural Terminology): A numerical code set maintained by the American Medical Association that describes medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures and services. Used for billing and reimbursement.
Customization: Modifying the LIS to meet the specific needs of a laboratory.
Cytology: The study of cells, often exfoliated or aspirated, for diagnostic purposes.

D

Dashboard: A visual interface that provides a summary of key metrics and information about the lab's operations.
Data Migration: The process of transferring data from an existing system to the new cloud-based LIS.
Data Security: Measures taken to protect data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Critical in a cloud environment.
Demographic: Information related to the age, sex, gender, indentification, etc. of an individual.
Digital Pathology: The practice of using digital images of glass slides for diagnosis, consultation, and education. Cloud LIS systems often integrate with digital pathology platforms.
Download: The process of transferring data "down" to a local device from an application server.

E

EHR (Electronic Health Record): A digital record of a patient's health information. Integration with the LIS is essential for seamless data flow.
EMR (Electronic Magnetic Record): A digital record of a patient's health information. Integration with the LIS is essential for seamless data flow.
Encryption: The process of converting data into an unreadable format to protect it from unauthorized access.

F

Facility: Refers to a medical facility where a procedure is performed.
FDA (Food and Drug Administration): The US regulatory agency responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical devices and other products, including LIS software.
FFPE (Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded): Standard technique for preserving the tissue samples in diagnostic surgical pathology at ambient temperatures.
Firewall: A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
Frozen Sections: A technique for storing in diagnostic surgical pathology frozen tissues at ultra-low temperatures.

G

Grossing: The process of examining a tissue specimen with the naked eye to assess its macroscopic characteristics like size, color, texture, and consistency.

H

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): A US law that sets standards for protecting the privacy and security of patient health information. Cloud LIS providers must be HIPAA compliant.
HL7 (Health Level 7): A popular data interchange format used in the healthcare industry.

I

ICD (International Classification of Diseases): It is a system of codes used to classify and report health information, including diagnoses, symptoms, procedures, and causes of death.
Integration: The process of connecting different software systems so they can share data.
Interface: A point of interaction or communication between two systems.
Interoperability: The ability of different systems to exchange and use information.

L

Laboratory Workflow: The sequence of steps involved in processing specimens and generating reports.
LIS (Laboratory Information System): A software system that manages and tracks all aspects of a laboratory's operations.

M

Medical Facility: Refers to a medical facility where a procedure is performed.
Medical Group: Refers to a group of physicians who perform a procedure.
Middleware: Software that connects different applications and enables them to communicate.

N

Network Security: Measures taken to protect a computer network from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

P

Pathology Informatics: The application of information technology to pathology practice.
PC (Professional Component): Charges attributable to the pathologists' professional services.
PHI (Private Health Information): It must remain protected unless authorized by the owner.

Q

QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control): Processes and procedures used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results.

R

RCM (Revenue Cycle Management): Management of billing to patients, private insurers, and the government for reimbursements.
Report Generation: The process of creating pathology reports, which may include gross descriptions, microscopic findings, diagnoses, and other information.
Role-Based Access Control: A security mechanism that restricts user access to specific features and data based on their role in the lab.

S

Scalability: The ability of a system to handle increasing volumes of data and users. A key advantage of cloud-based systems.
Specimen Tracking: The process of monitoring the location and status of specimens throughout the laboratory workflow.
SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol): A data transmission protocol used to transfer files securely across computer systems.
Structured Data: Data organized in a predefined format, making it easier to search, analyze, and report on.
Split Billing: A type of billing where the charges for services are spilt between PC and TC.

T

TC (Technical Component): Charges attributable to the cost of equipment, supplies, and non-pathologist personnel.

U

Upload: The process of transferring data "up" to the application servers from a device.
Uptime: The percentage of time that a system is operational and available for use.
User Interface (UI): The visual elements of a software application that users interact with.
User Experience (UX): The behavioral elements of a software application that users interact with.

V

Validation: The process of demonstrating that a system meets its intended requirements and performs as expected.

W

Workflow: A sequence of tasks, steps, processes or other activities designed to perform a function.

SpeedsPath Glossary of Terms