Industry Insights
Choosing a Vendor - Guidance for Your LIS Upgrade
November 4, 2025
Medical Laboratory Observer has published a timely guide to help clinical laboratories and pathology groups choose the best laboratory information system software and the right LIS software vendors.
LigoLab CEO Suren Avunjian participated in the discussion for this guide. He said medical labs continue to bear the pain of rigid, legacy LIS systems that lack functionality and flexibility, even though new LIS pathology solutions that replace multiple disparate laboratory software systems and their inherent data silos are readily available.
Discover More: Comparing LigoLab Informatics Platform with Legacy Laboratory Information System Software
Avunjian also suggested that organizations looking to upgrade their medical LIS should not look for LIS vendors but LIS lab partners, because they simply can’t afford to make a mistake and switch LIS systems frequently.
To read more from Avunjian and other industry experts, click the link below (first published by MLO on November 22, 2022), or continue reading our executive summary of the article.
MLO Article Linked Here: Guidance for Choosing an LIS Vendor
Selecting the Best LIS Lab Vendor: Laboratory Information System Insights
Executive Summary of the MLO Article: Choosing the right medical laboratory information system and LIS lab vendor significantly impacts clinical laboratories and pathology groups in the long term. Industry experts stress the importance of partnering with laboratory information system companies that offer dedicated support rather than merely supplying a product.
Suren Avunjian, CEO of LigoLab, emphasized that many traditional LIS software solutions are inflexible and limited in features and functionality, which hinders laboratory effectiveness. He advocated the selection of LIS lab vendors capable of acting as a true partner, offering pathology LIS systems capable of providing robust flexibility, streamlined laboratory workflow management, and comprehensive support to address operational and financial needs.
Industry Insights: Six Experts Discuss the State of Anatomic Pathology LIS Systems
Avunjian advised labs to choose a long-term LIS pathology partner rather than a mere vendor, considering the difficulty of frequently switching laboratory information systems. Additionally, he recommended that laboratories pose specific questions when selecting a medical LIS:
- Does the vendor offer an integrated laboratory billing (lab revenue cycle management) solution with a shared database infrastructure?
- Can the lab information system operate both in the cloud and on-premises?
- Does the healthcare LIS eliminate data silos by seamlessly managing all operations?
- Does the medical LIS support automatic specimen tracking with unique barcode identifiers?
- Does the laboratory information system feature automation to streamline pathology lab management and minimize manual tasks?
- Are the lab reports produced by the LIS system fully customizable with various delivery options?
- Does the lab information system have an internal interface engine?
- Is there a comprehensive and searchable audit trail that’s easily accessible?
- Does LIS software provide insightful dashboards and dynamic reporting?
- Does the LIS system support client and patient portals?
- Does the LIS software ensure regulatory compliance at every stage of laboratory operations?
Going forward, Avunjian anticipated that increased LIS system automation would be adopted due to shortages in skilled laboratory staff and rising labor costs.
He also noted that automation within the laboratory information system can help ease staffing pressures, streamline operations, and deliver clear operational insights through an all-in-one LIS and lab billing platform (such as the LigoLab Informatics Platform).
He also predicted that technological advancements will enable laboratories to interact directly with patients through direct-to-consumer lab testing portals equipped with telemedicine features (such as TestDirectly). He said patients will benefit from enhanced convenience in accessing specialized laboratory services and receiving remote guidance from medical professionals.
Discover More: Highlighting the Versatility of the TestDirectly Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing Portal
When Laboratory Information System Upgrades Stall: Understanding the Breakdown
If you've ever worked in a pathology practice or clinical laboratory, the following scenario may feel familiar:
Leaders at Laboratory X meet to address persistent performance and reliability issues tied to their outdated or homegrown laboratory information system. The aging LIS lab solution has become a major obstacle, limiting customer retention and business growth. Inefficient workflows and manual processes have led to costly mistakes, such as misplaced or mislabeled specimens, causing delays and damaging the lab’s reputation. Frustration across departments has reached a breaking point, underscoring the urgent need for change.
Acknowledging the problem, management commits to evaluating modern laboratory information system software solutions designed to drive efficiency and support growth. The decision reinvigorates department heads, who share the news with renewed optimism. While the path to a new medical LIS implementation may be challenging, the potential for lasting improvement brings a sense of excitement and momentum throughout the lab.
Discover More: What to Look Out for and Avoid When Shopping for a New LIS System
Soon after, a dedicated committee is assembled to research available laboratory information systems. The group narrows the field to a shortlist of promising lab vendors, schedules demos, and collects key details for comparison.
After multiple presentations and a thorough evaluation process, the committee identifies several strong candidates and presents its findings to management. In response, management initiates further discussions with lab vendors, requesting additional demos and business proposals. Then, without warning, the initiative is suddenly paused. The planned LIS system upgrade is abandoned, leaving stakeholders confused and frustrated.
The abrupt reversal sparks several questions. Did management lose confidence and revert to the comfort of the status quo? Did the LIS software vendors fail to make a convincing case for their systems’ value? Most importantly, is there still a chance to revive this critical lab information system modernization effort, or has the opportunity for real progress already slipped away?
Discover More: Cost of Inaction - The Dire Consequences of Neglecting Modernization in Laboratory Operations and Informatics
Overcoming Resistance to Laboratory Information System Adoption: Strategies for Lab Leaders
Resistance to adopting a new LIS laboratory information system often stems from a fear of failure, but this can be managed effectively. Lab leaders should acknowledge this fear, set realistic goals, clearly communicate expectations, and take incremental actions toward change.
To help overcome internal resistance, it's important to ask potential laboratory information system vendors specific questions that confirm alignment with the lab's business goals, including:
- Do they have proven industry experience and a successful track record?
- Can their LIS systems support customized solutions and unique needs?
- Do they have LIS systems with scalability for future growth?
- Is there a commitment to ongoing technological innovation of the LIS systems?
- Is there a support structure that addresses current and future operational needs?
- Is there transparent pricing, including upfront and potential hidden costs?
- Are there flexible licensing options?
Discover More: LigoLab Informatics Platform - Uniquely Designed to Deliver Maximum Value
Shifting LIS System Focus: Emphasize Rewards Over Risks in Implementation
One approach to overcoming hesitation or fear associated with implementing a new LIS laboratory information system software is emphasizing the rewards rather than the potential risks. Laboratories can achieve significant improvements by adopting modern medical LIS systems, as demonstrated by real-world examples provided in the following case studies:
Case Study 1: Learn how Eastern Connecticut Pathology Consultants (ECPC) successfully addressed key operational goals by integrating a contemporary anatomic pathology software solution: The ECPC Success Story: Tripling Productivity & Boosting Net Collections by 35% with LigoLab Informatics Platform.
Case Study 2: See how Avero Diagnostics achieved substantial enhancements in operational and financial outcomes after implementing modern pathology lab software with fully integrated laboratory billing solutions: Leveraging LIS System & Lab RCM Integration to Improve the Laboratory Billing Process
LigoLab Informatics Platform: Advanced Pathology Lab Software for Independent Laboratories
Is your pathology group or clinical laboratory evaluating a potential laboratory information system upgrade? Discover how LigoLab can help.
Since 2006, LigoLab has partnered with independent laboratories to design and continuously enhance an informatics platform built specifically to solve the operational challenges medical labs face every day.
With the LigoLab Informatics Platform at the center of your operations, your lab can streamline workflows, scale efficiently, and stay ahead of industry challenges while creating new opportunities for growth.
See how LigoLab’s all-in-one medical LIS and lab billing platform can drive your digital transformation. Contact our team today to learn more.
