LIS/LIMS Software · Lab Automation
What Is an LIS? Following a Sample Through the Lab
What does a laboratory information system do?
A laboratory information system (LIS) connects patient orders, specimens, test results, review, and reporting. Following one sample through those steps shows what the software does and where instrument and EMR interfaces fit into a clinical lab’s daily work.
Follow one sample through the laboratory
A laboratory information system connects the information associated with an order, its specimens, testing, review, and final report. The easiest way to evaluate that work is to follow a representative sample through the lab. For a broader definition, see what a laboratory information system does.
1. Receive the order and identify the specimen
The workflow starts with the patient, ordering provider, requested panels, and the information needed to process the order. An order may be entered in the LIS or received through an interface. Staff need a clear way to identify missing information and avoid creating duplicate patient records.
Accessioning connects the order and specimen to the lab’s identifiers. Barcode labels help staff and supported analyzers keep that identity consistent as the sample moves through testing.
2. Send work to the appropriate testing workflow
Worklists show staff which samples are waiting and where they belong. An instrument interface may transmit orders, receive results, or support both directions. The exact behavior depends on the analyzer and the interface configured for the lab.
During a demonstration, ask to see your own analyzer models and test menu represented. Confirm which steps remain manual and how exceptions are handled.
3. Review results and quality information
Results need to reach the correct order and test. Staff may review flags, QC information, and the steps required before a report can be released. Permissions should reflect the roles of accessioners, technologists, reviewers, and administrators.
Use a result that requires attention as part of your evaluation. A normal result alone will not show how the system helps staff investigate and resolve an exception.
4. Release and deliver the report
The LIS assembles approved results into the lab’s report format and supports the configured delivery workflow. That may include a provider portal, an EMR interface, faxing, or other available delivery options. Confirm the destination and format for each provider or client.
5. Find the history and measure the workflow
A useful system makes it practical to find an order’s history, review what happened, and identify pending work. Management reports can help the lab investigate turnaround time and workload. Ask how changes, corrections, and access are recorded.
Where Stratus DX fits
Stratus DX provides browser-based workflows for physician office and reference laboratories, including ordering, instruments, QC, review, reporting, and outreach. The configuration should be matched to the lab’s actual testing and connections.
Bring one typical order to a demonstration and ask to see the complete path. That turns an abstract feature list into a practical evaluation of how the LIS will support your staff.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Laboratory Information System (LIS)?
A Laboratory Information System (LIS) is specialized software used by medical laboratories to manage test orders, track specimens, process results, and generate reports. Platforms like Stratus DX provide a cloud-based LIS that centralizes all laboratory data, improving accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility.
How does Stratus DX improve laboratory efficiency?
Stratus DX streamlines laboratory workflows by automating order entry, instrument interfacing, and result reporting. By reducing manual data entry and eliminating redundant processes, laboratories can significantly increase throughput while minimizing errors and delays.
What is the difference between an LIS and an EMR?
An LIS, such as Stratus DX, is designed specifically for laboratory operations, while an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) manages overall patient health information. The two systems often integrate, allowing test orders to flow from the EMR into the LIS and results to be returned seamlessly to the provider.
Why is a cloud-based LIS better than a traditional system?
A cloud-based LIS like Stratus DX offers remote access, automatic updates, enhanced data security, and scalability without the need for on-site servers. This allows laboratories to operate more flexibly while reducing IT overhead and maintenance costs.
Can Stratus DX integrate with EMR systems?
Yes, Stratus DX supports seamless integration with most EMR systems using HL7 and API-based connections. This allows healthcare providers to electronically send orders and receive results in real time, improving communication and patient care.
What types of laboratories benefit from Stratus DX?
Stratus DX is designed to support a wide range of laboratories, including toxicology, clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, pain management, and reference labs. Its scalable architecture makes it suitable for both small labs and high-volume operations.
Why is an LIS important for modern laboratories?
An LIS is essential because it ensures accuracy, improves workflow efficiency, and enables seamless data exchange. Solutions like Stratus DX help laboratories operate at a higher level by transforming manual processes into automated, data-driven systems.
How can Stratus DX support this laboratory workflow?
Stratus DX supports clinical laboratory ordering, interfaces, QC, reporting, and related workflows. Confirm the exact features, modules, interfaces, and responsibilities included in your laboratory’s proposed configuration.