A laboratory information system (LIS) is specialized software that manages all aspects of clinical laboratory operations, from test ordering and sample tracking to result reporting and quality control. It serves as the central hub connecting physicians who order tests, lab technicians who process samples, and patients who receive results, ensuring accuracy and traceability throughout the entire testing workflow.
Why Do Laboratories Need an Information System?
Clinical laboratories process hundreds or thousands of samples daily. Each sample moves through a multi-step workflow involving ordering, collection, accessioning, analysis, verification, and reporting. Without a digital system, laboratories rely on handwritten logs, paper requisition forms, and manual result transcription, all of which invite errors.
A single mislabeled sample or transposed result can lead to a misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or unnecessary procedures. A laboratory information system eliminates these risks by digitizing and automating every step, ensuring that the right test is performed on the right sample and the right result reaches the right physician.
LIS vs. LIMS: What Is the Difference?
These two acronyms are frequently confused. While they overlap in some areas, they serve different environments and purposes:
| Aspect | LIS (Laboratory Information System) | LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) | |---|---|---| | Primary environment | Clinical/medical laboratories | Research, industrial, and environmental laboratories | | Core focus | Patient test orders, results, and clinical reporting | Sample management, workflows, and scientific data | | Patient data | Central to the system; manages patient demographics and history | Minimal or no patient data | | Physician integration | Deep integration with HMS/EHR for order entry and result delivery | Typically standalone or integrated with research systems | | Regulatory framework | HIPAA, CAP, CLIA, ISO 15189 | GLP, GMP, ISO 17025 | | Billing integration | Yes, generates billable test charges | Rarely includes billing | | Typical users | Hospital labs, reference labs, pathology labs | Pharmaceutical R&D, food testing, environmental testing | | Result format | Clinical reports with reference ranges and flags | Raw data, certificates of analysis |
In short, a LIS is built for healthcare, while a LIMS is built for research and industry. Some modern platforms combine both capabilities, but understanding the distinction helps when evaluating software.
Core Features of a Laboratory Information System
1. Test Order Management
Physicians place lab orders electronically through the hospital management system or EHR, and those orders flow directly into the LIS. The system validates each order, checks for duplicate requests, and routes it to the appropriate laboratory section (hematology, chemistry, microbiology, etc.).
2. Specimen Tracking and Accessioning
When a sample arrives at the lab, the LIS assigns a unique accession number and generates a barcode label. From this point, every movement of the specimen is tracked: from collection through processing, analysis, and storage or disposal.
3. Worklist Generation
The LIS creates organized worklists for each analyzer and lab section, telling technicians exactly which tests to run on which samples in what order. This eliminates guesswork and ensures no sample is missed or tested incorrectly.
4. Instrument Interfacing
Modern LIS platforms connect directly to laboratory analyzers (chemistry analyzers, hematology counters, coagulation instruments, etc.) through standard protocols like HL7, ASTM, or serial communication. Results flow automatically from the instrument into the LIS, eliminating manual transcription errors.
5. Result Entry and Verification
Results are captured either automatically from interfaced instruments or entered manually by technicians for non-automated tests. The LIS applies predefined rules to flag abnormal values, critical results, and delta checks (significant changes from a patient's previous results).
6. Quality Control (QC)
The LIS manages quality control samples that are run alongside patient samples. It tracks QC results against Levey-Jennings charts, applies Westgard rules, and alerts technicians when QC is out of range, preventing the release of inaccurate patient results.
7. Result Authorization and Reporting
Senior lab staff or pathologists review flagged results before authorizing them for release. Once authorized, results are delivered electronically to the ordering physician through the HMS/EHR. Printed reports can also be generated with the laboratory's letterhead, reference ranges, and interpretive comments.
8. Critical Value Notification
When a result falls within a life-threatening range (critical value), the LIS triggers immediate alerts to the ordering physician or nursing staff. The system logs the notification time, the person notified, and any read-back confirmation.
9. Reflex Testing
The LIS can be configured to automatically order follow-up tests based on initial results. For example, if a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level is abnormal, the system can automatically add free T3 and free T4 tests without requiring a new order from the physician.
10. Billing Integration
Each completed test generates a billable charge that flows to the hospital billing system or insurance claims module. The LIS tracks which tests are covered by insurance and which require patient payment.
Types of Laboratory Information Systems
Hospital-Based LIS
Integrated into a hospital management system, this type serves the hospital's internal laboratory. It connects to the HMS for order entry, result delivery, and billing. This is the most common LIS deployment in healthcare facilities.
Standalone LIS
Used by independent reference laboratories that receive samples from multiple external clients (hospitals, clinics, physicians). These systems include client management, sample logistics, and external reporting features.
Cloud-Based LIS
Hosted on remote servers and accessed through a web browser. Cloud-based LIS solutions require no on-site server infrastructure, offer automatic updates, and scale easily. They are increasingly popular among small to mid-size laboratories.
Point-of-Care (POC) LIS
Manages testing performed outside the central laboratory, such as bedside glucose testing, rapid strep tests, or emergency department blood gas analysis. POC LIS systems track device maintenance, operator competency, and QC compliance for decentralized testing.
Benefits of a Laboratory Information System
Improved Accuracy
Barcode-based specimen tracking and automated instrument interfacing eliminate the manual transcription errors that account for the majority of laboratory mistakes. Studies show that LIS implementation reduces pre-analytical and post-analytical errors by 60-80%.
Faster Turnaround Times
Automated worklists, instrument interfacing, and electronic result delivery dramatically reduce the time from order to result. Routine test turnaround times typically improve by 30-50% after LIS implementation.
Enhanced Traceability
Every action in the LIS is logged with a timestamp and user identity. If a question arises about any result, the complete history of that sample can be traced from collection through every processing step to final reporting.
Better Quality Management
Built-in QC tracking, Westgard rule monitoring, and proficiency testing management help laboratories maintain accreditation standards and deliver consistently reliable results.
Regulatory Compliance
The LIS generates the documentation needed for regulatory inspections by bodies like the College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), and ISO 15189. Audit trails, QC records, and competency logs are maintained automatically.
Reduced Operating Costs
Automation reduces the need for manual data entry staff, minimizes repeat testing due to errors, and optimizes reagent usage. These efficiencies translate to measurable cost savings, particularly in high-volume laboratories.
Integration with Clinical Care
When the LIS is integrated with the hospital's HMS and EHR, results appear in the patient's electronic record within minutes of authorization. Physicians can view trends, compare historical values, and make faster clinical decisions.
LIS Integration with Hospital Management Systems
A laboratory information system delivers its greatest value when tightly integrated with the broader hospital ecosystem:
| Integration Point | What It Enables | |---|---| | HMS/EHR order entry | Physicians order tests electronically; orders flow directly to LIS | | ADT (Admission, Discharge, Transfer) | Patient location updates ensure results reach the right ward | | Billing system | Completed tests automatically generate charges | | Pharmacy system | Drug level monitoring results inform medication dosing | | Radiology (RIS) | Correlate lab findings with imaging results | | Outpatient scheduling | Patients book lab appointments through the hospital portal | | NHIS/insurance | Lab claims are submitted as part of the encounter billing |
HospitalOS includes a fully integrated laboratory module that connects test ordering, specimen tracking, result delivery, and billing within a unified hospital management platform. This eliminates the need for separate LIS software and ensures seamless data flow between the lab and all clinical departments.
How to Choose a Laboratory Information System
When evaluating LIS options, assess these critical factors:
- Instrument interfaces -- Confirm the LIS supports your specific analyzers and can add new instruments as your lab grows
- Integration capability -- Ensure it connects with your HMS, EHR, and billing system through standard protocols (HL7, FHIR)
- Scalability -- Choose a system that handles your current test volume with room for growth
- QC management -- Verify it includes Levey-Jennings charts, Westgard rules, and proficiency testing tracking
- Regulatory support -- Check that audit trails and documentation meet your accreditation body's requirements
- Reporting flexibility -- Look for customizable report templates, cumulative patient reports, and management dashboards
- Turnaround time tracking -- The system should monitor and report TAT metrics by test, section, and shift
- User interface -- Lab technicians work at speed; the interface must be efficient and require minimal clicks
- Vendor experience -- Prefer vendors with proven healthcare laboratory implementations in your market
LIS Implementation Best Practices
Successfully deploying a laboratory information system requires careful planning. Follow these best practices to ensure a smooth implementation:
- Map existing workflows first -- Document every step in your current laboratory process before configuring the LIS. This prevents gaps and ensures the system matches actual operations.
- Involve lab staff early -- Technicians and pathologists who use the system daily should participate in vendor evaluation, workflow design, and testing. Their input prevents usability issues.
- Implement in phases -- Start with one laboratory section (e.g., chemistry or hematology), validate the workflow, and then expand to other sections. This reduces risk and allows learning between phases.
- Validate instrument interfaces thoroughly -- Test every analyzer connection with real patient samples in parallel with your existing process. Verify that results transfer correctly before going live.
- Build a comprehensive test catalog -- Define every test your lab offers with correct reference ranges, units, specimen requirements, and turnaround time targets. An accurate test catalog is the foundation of LIS operations.
- Train beyond the basics -- Staff need to understand not just how to use the system, but what to do when exceptions occur: failed interfaces, QC failures, result amendments, and add-on orders.
- Run parallel operations -- Operate both the old and new systems simultaneously for 2 to 4 weeks. Compare results and workflows to identify issues before fully transitioning.
- Establish ongoing governance -- Designate a laboratory informatics lead responsible for system maintenance, updates, user management, and continuous improvement after go-live.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a laboratory information system cost?
LIS pricing varies significantly based on lab size and deployment model. Small hospital labs can expect to pay $200 to $800 per month for a cloud-based LIS. On-premise systems for mid-size laboratories range from $15,000 to $75,000 for initial licensing, plus annual maintenance fees. Large reference laboratories may invest $100,000 or more in enterprise LIS platforms.
Can a LIS connect to any laboratory analyzer?
Most modern LIS platforms support connections to the majority of mainstream analyzers from manufacturers like Siemens, Roche, Abbott, Beckman Coulter, Sysmex, and Bio-Rad. The connection is typically established through HL7, ASTM, or serial communication protocols. Always verify specific analyzer compatibility with your LIS vendor before purchasing.
How long does LIS implementation take?
Implementation timelines range from 4 to 12 weeks for a small hospital lab using cloud-based software, to 6 to 12 months for a large reference laboratory with dozens of analyzer interfaces and complex workflows. Phased rollouts by laboratory section are common for larger implementations.
Does a LIS replace manual laboratory work?
No, a LIS does not replace the analytical work performed by laboratory professionals. It automates the information management surrounding that work: ordering, tracking, result capture, reporting, and quality monitoring. Skilled technicians and pathologists remain essential for sample preparation, result interpretation, and troubleshooting.
What is the difference between LIS and EMR?
An EMR (electronic medical record) is a broad clinical system that stores a patient's complete medical history across all departments. A LIS is a specialized system focused exclusively on laboratory operations. The two systems integrate so that lab results appear in the EMR, but the LIS manages the detailed laboratory workflow that the EMR does not cover.
Next Steps
If your hospital or laboratory needs a modern information system that integrates testing workflows with clinical care, explore the laboratory module within HospitalOS. You can also contact our team for a demo and consultation tailored to your laboratory's specific requirements.
![Laboratory Information System (LIS): Complete Guide for Healthcare Labs [2026]](/_next/image?url=%2Finfographics%2Flis-lab-system-market-2026.png&w=2048&q=75)
