SpeedsPath Glossary of Terms

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

A Laboratory Information System (LIS) is a specialized software platform used in pathology and clinical laboratories to manage, track, and automate laboratory workflows, data, specimens, and reports. It ensures accuracy, standardization, operational efficiency, compliance, and seamless communication across the lab ecosystem.

What Is a Laboratory Information System (LIS)?

A Laboratory Information System (LIS) is software that manages all aspects of diagnostic testing—from sample registration to final report dispatch—in pathology labs. It automates routine tasks, reduces manual errors, speeds up reporting, and improves workflow coordination.

Key Features of a Laboratory Information System

• Sample and Specimen Management: Tracks samples from accessioning to final report.
• Automation of Lab Workflows: Streamlines processes such as registration, labeling, processing, reporting, and dispatch.
• Integration Capabilities: Connects with instruments, analyzers, EMR/EHR, billing systems, and external databases.
• Data Accuracy & Standardization: Minimizes manual errors through automated data capture and standardized templates.
• Report Generation: Enables structured pathology, cytology, histopathology, and microbiology reports.
• Quality Control (QC) Management: Ensures consistent lab performance through QC data monitoring.
• Compliance & Security: Supports HIPAA, CAP, CLIA, NABL, and other regulatory requirements.
• Real-time Tracking: Provides instant visibility into workflow stages and sample status.
• Inventory & Reagent Management: Tracks stock, consumption, and expiries.
• User Roles & Access Control: Ensures secure, role-based access to sensitive lab data.
• Analytics & Dashboard: Displays turnaround times, workload distribution, and performance metrics.
• Communication Tools: Sends alerts, SMS, emails, and notifications to clinicians and patients.

Benefits of Using an LIS in Pathology Labs

An LIS improves lab efficiency by automating tasks, reducing errors, and enhancing coordination. It supports compliance, provides real-time tracking, and enables better communication.

How Does an LIS Differ from LIMS?

LIS is pathology/clinical-focused, while LIMS is broader and used in research, pharma, and environmental labs. However, they can overlap in features.

Can an LIS Integrate with Digital Pathology?

Many modern LIS platforms integrate with digital pathology systems for image management, whole slide imaging, and telepathology.

Does an LIS Support Multi-Location Labs?

Yes. Advanced LIS solutions support hub-and-spoke models, multi-branch operations, centralized reporting, and inter-lab communication.

SpeedsPath Makes LIS Implementation Effortless

A robust LIS is essential for modern pathology labs. It automates workflows, ensures compliance, and enhances productivity. See how SpeedsPath delivers a comprehensive LIS tailored for pathology.

Book A Demo Today

Related Terms

• Accessioning
• Barcode
• Digital Pathology
• EMR/EHR
• Specimen Tracking
• Workflow Automation

FAQs

1. What is an LIS in pathology?
   A Laboratory Information System (LIS) is software that manages all aspects of diagnostic testing—from sample registration to final report dispatch—in pathology labs.
2. How does an LIS improve lab efficiency?
   It automates routine tasks, reduces manual errors, speeds up reporting, and improves workflow coordination.
3. Can an LIS integrate with lab instruments?
   Yes. LIS systems typically support unidirectional or bidirectional interfaces with analyzers, enabling automatic result transfer.
4. Does an LIS support digital pathology workflows?
   Many modern LIS platforms integrate with digital pathology systems for image management, whole slide imaging, and telepathology.
5. Is LIS different from LIMS?
   Yes. LIS is pathology/clinical-focused, while LIMS is broader and used in research, pharma, and environmental labs. However, they can overlap in features.
6. Can LIS generate different types of pathology reports?
   Yes. It supports histopathology, cytology, microbiology, hematology, molecular pathology, and clinical pathology report formats.
7. Does an LIS help with regulatory compliance?
   Yes. It enforces standardized workflows, audit trails, access control, QC checks, and documentation required by CAP, NABL, CLIA, etc.
8. Can patients access results through the LIS?
   Many LIS systems offer patient portals, SMS, or email result delivery.
9. How secure is the data in an LIS?
   Data is protected through encryption, role-based access, audit logging, and secure cloud/on-premise architectures.
10. Can LIS handle multi-location or networked labs?
    Yes. Advanced LIS solutions support hub-and-spoke models, multi-branch operations, centralized reporting, and inter-lab communication.

Want to learn more? Explore our LIS Glossary or check out our expert blogs on Anatomic Pathology, Molecular Diagnostics, Cytology, and Lab Information Systems.