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Why use an LIS? – Top benefits of adopting a laboratory information system
July 5, 2024 | Daniel Doll
For many frustrated lab managers, the question is, “What is the best LIS?” But, if you’re just getting started, you may be wondering, “Why use an LIS at all?”
In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, laboratories have increasingly turned to laboratory information systems (LIS) to streamline their operations and improve efficiency.
An LIS is a software-based system that manages, records, and analyzes data from scientific experiments, tests, and processes. The adoption of an LIS offers numerous benefits for laboratories, making it a crucial investment for modern diagnostic facilities.
Let’s explore the top benefits of using an LIS and why laboratories should consider implementing this technology.
Improve patient care and safety using an LIS
For clinical laboratories, the adoption of an LIS can directly impact patient care and safety. In addition to improving adherence to the regulatory guidelines mentioned below, an LIS streamlines the testing process, reduces turnaround times, and improves the accuracy of test results. All of this means faster and more reliable diagnoses. By minimizing the potential for errors and ensuring the integrity of data, an LIS plays a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes and safety.
Use an LIS to improve laboratory efficiency
One of the primary benefits of using an LIS is the significant improvement in workflow efficiency. Lab management software automates various laboratory processes such as sample tracking, result analysis, and report generation. This reduces the need for manual intervention. With streamlined workflows, your laboratory can handle a higher volume of samples and tests, improving your overall productivity.
With an LIS, your lab will save time and minimize the risk of human errors. You and the patients you serve will enjoy fast, accurate, reliable results. By improving your efficiency and level of patient care, implementing an LIS saves lives.
Why my lab used an LIS
Former lab manager Beth Schmitt was there for the transition from a paper system to the adoption of the CGM SCHUYLAB Laboratory Information System.
She lists the key benefits that her lab realized right away:
- More time and resources available for actual lab testing
- Reduction in transcription errors
- All results available on one easy-to-read report thanks to digital instrument interfaces
- Automated result reporting with abnormal and critical results flagged to prompt manual verification
- Streamlined workflow using direct EHR and HIS interfaces for orders and results
- Necessary reports for CLIA inspections and quality assurance monitoring
© CompuGroup Medical
“CGM SCHUYLAB Laboratory Information System puts everything under one roof: ordering, management, billing, and result delivery. Take control of your lab with a laboratory information system,” says Vice President of Product Architecture for CGM SCHUYLAB, Jan Chennault.
Save costs and optimize resources
Every lab feels the pressure of having to do more with less, especially when it comes to personnel and a shortage of qualified medical technologists. Empowering your staff to do more with less effort, an LIS puts staff in position to make the judgment calls—which humans are better at—instead of trying to crunch all the numbers—which computers are very good at.
By automating tasks, reducing manual errors, and improving operational efficiency, lab management software helps minimize the need for rework and resource wastage. Implementing an LIS can result in significant cost savings for laboratories in the long run.
With the advanced analytics capabilities of an LIS, lab managers can better identify trends, optimize resource allocation, and reduce unnecessary expenditures, leading to improved financial performance. Adjust your testing menu and the areas your lab serves by making data-supported decisions that will boost your profitability and keep your lab running for years to come.
Enhance data management and accessibility
Why use an LIS? An LIS enables laboratories to centralize their data management to allow for secure storage, retrieval, and analysis of large volumes of scientific data. This centralized approach ensures that all relevant information is easily accessible to authorized personnel. This fosters better collaboration and decision-making.
Additionally, lab management software provides advanced data analytics and reporting capabilities, enabling laboratories to derive valuable insights from their data, which can be used to drive research, improve processes, and make informed business decisions.
Adopt an LIS for easier compliance with regulatory standards
When it comes to healthcare and patient safety, adherence to compliance and quality standards is paramount. An LIS helps laboratories maintain compliance with industry regulations and standards including CLIA, HIPAA, and FDA guidelines.
An LIS facilitates accurate record-keeping, traceability, and audit trails, which are essential for meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring the integrity and security of data.
Why use an LIS? Why not!
The adoption of a laboratory information system offers a wide range of benefits for laboratories including improved workflow efficiency, enhanced data management, regulatory compliance, enhanced patient care, and cost savings.
As laboratories continue to embrace the digital transformation, the LIS has become an indispensable tool for optimizing operations and driving better outcomes.
With its numerous advantages, it's clear that using an LIS is a strategic decision that can propel laboratories to success in the modern healthcare landscape.
