How LigoLab is Helping Labs Optimize Specimen Storage and Retrieval

Specimen storage and retrieval are parts of the daily routine for clinical laboratories and pathology groups. As labs grow and volumes increase, both can become time-consuming tasks and significant operational headaches.

Imagine walking into a warehouse filled to the brim with storage racks full of specimens, with no clear starting point for finding the exact sample you need. Now imagine walking into that same warehouse armed with the full coordinates to track that sample, instantly knowing the room, storage rack, drawer, and position within the drawer where it resides.

Thanks to a joint effort between LigoLab's Support Team and one of its client labs, that second scenario is now a reality.

A Fast Turnaround From Idea to Implementation

Labs can quickly configure LigoLab’s laboratory information system (LIS) storage and retrieval solution to operate more efficiently and intelligently, even under high-volume demands.

"From the idea to configuration, the turnaround was fast because a very workable framework was already in place," said Frank Lee, one of LigoLab's standout implementation engineers. 

“Our LIS software platform includes a robust sample tracking module that enables multiple entities to be organized within a rack and tracked efficiently, making the solution relatively straightforward,” he explained.

Lee added that the Support Team configured rules within the LIS system to prompt the sample tracking module to reference rack IDs instead of individual specimen IDs.

“This enhancement enables the LIS system to manage storage racks more effectively, enabling users to generate dynamic reports and quickly locate specimens with precision, saving time and improving overall efficiency,” Lee said.

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Built to Scale Across Large Lab Environments

Emanuel Basag-Taroata, LigoLab's Head of Service, shared that everyone on his team was eager to implement the concept, recognizing it as a meaningful LIS lab solution for partner organizations to stay efficient and well-organized.

"It addressed a clear need and helped fill an important gap for our customers," he said.

"We've created a framework for storage racks, and the LIS medical solution is scalable," added Basag-Taroata. "That means we can take this concept and apply it to other labs that utilize thousands of square feet of warehouse space. When they go into that warehouse, they’ll know exactly where to go to pull that one single slide."

Large labs with multiple racks will benefit the most from this LigoLab enhancement. Even better, the enhancement is available to all LigoLab customers and can be implemented quickly without costly development charges.

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LigoLab’s Rule and Automation Engines: Simplifying the Complex

Specimen storage and retrieval is just one use case where LigoLab's powerful Rule and Automation engines help labs eliminate inefficiencies and streamline complex tasks. Designed to adapt to each lab's unique workflows, the all-in-one LigoLab Medical LIS & Lab Billing Informatics Platform applies automation and configurable rules to enhance accuracy, speed, and compliance across the full spectrum of laboratory information system functions.

Order Validation and Pre-Bill Scrubbing

At the time of order entry, the LIS system automatically checks for missing data, validates patient demographics and insurance eligibility, and ensures ICD-10 codes are medically necessary for the selected tests, reducing denials and accelerating reimbursement.

Specimen Routing and Processing

The lab information system utilizes rules to automatically route specimens to the appropriate department or instrument based on test type, priority, or location, ensuring efficient throughput and faster turnaround times.

Reflex and Add-On Testing

Based on preset conditions such as a specific result threshold, the LIS lab platform automatically triggers additional tests, notifies users, and creates linked workflows, all without manual intervention.

Quality Control Automation

The LIS system tracks QC events in real time and applies statistical rules, such as Westgard rules, to flag deviations. The LIS lab application instantly generates alerts and corrective workflows, helping labs stay in compliance and reduce manual oversight.

Digital Pathology Integration

LigoLab’s LIS system automation seamlessly launches the appropriate image viewer via single sign-on and routes digital images, annotations, and measurements directly into the final report, streamlining diagnostics and reporting within the anatomic pathology LIS workflow.

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These intelligent workflows not only save time and reduce errors but also give LIS lab staff the freedom to focus on higher-value tasks. Whether it's specimen tracking, lab billing accuracy, or complex diagnostics, LigoLab's rules-based automation delivers consistent, scalable results that drive lab efficiency and performance.

LigoLab: Powering Modern Labs with a Smarter, Unified Laboratory Information System Software Platform

LigoLab is a leading provider of enterprise-grade pathology lab software solutions, standing out among laboratory information system vendors by empowering clinical laboratories and pathology groups to operate more efficiently, scale with confidence, and deliver high-quality patient care.

Designed for the complexities of today's demanding laboratory environment, the all-in-one LigoLab Informatics Platform combines a powerful laboratory information system (LIS software) module with fully integrated modules for lab revenue cycle management (lab RCM), digital pathology, and direct-to-consumer lab testing.

One Informatics Platform, No Data Silos

Unlike outdated, fragmented laboratory information systems, LigoLab delivers a unified platform where all modules operate on a shared database and infrastructure. This eliminates data silos, enhances collaboration across departments, and provides real-time visibility into every aspect of lab operations. From order entry and specimen tracking to result reporting and laboratory billing, LigoLab streamlines workflows, reduces manual effort, and supports consistent regulatory compliance.

Configurable Unique Clinical Lab Workflow

Flexibility is at the heart of the LigoLab platform. With configurable rules and intelligent automation, labs can program the LIS software and its advanced laboratory billing solutions to fit their unique processes, not the other way around. Whether it's routing specimens, launching reflex tests, validating codes, or ensuring chain of custody, LigoLab enables labs to do more with less by creating automated labs and enforcing consistency.

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Scalable Pricing That Grows With Your Lab

LigoLab offers a scalable, tiered pricing LIS model with packages that meet labs where they are, whether they're small startups or large enterprise labs handling complex, high-volume testing. Every tier provides immediate value and supports long-term growth, and you can upgrade seamlessly since all tiers run on the same informatics platform.

Discover More: LigoLab Informatics Platform - Uniquely Designed to Deliver Maximum Value

With decades of experience and a Customer Success team composed of industry veterans, LigoLab delivers more than just LIS software; it offers a partnership focused on your lab's performance and future-readiness.

Want to See What LigoLab Can Do for Your Lab?

Discover why labs across the country are switching to LigoLab’s all-in-one medical LIS & lab billing platform. Request a personalized demo today and learn how LigoLab can help you simplify operations, boost efficiency, and position your lab for lasting success.

Don’t Wait: Speak with a LigoLab Product Specialist!

Frequently Asked Questions About Specimen Storage and Retrieval With LigoLab

How does LigoLab help labs locate specimens faster?

Lab staff can configure LigoLab’s sample tracking module to reference rack IDs instead of individual specimen IDs, providing precise location details (room, rack, drawer, and position) so specimens can be found in seconds rather than minutes.

Is the specimen storage and retrieval feature available to all LigoLab customers?

Yes. The enhancement is available to all LigoLab customers and can be implemented quickly without costly development charges.

How scalable is LigoLab's specimen tracking solution?

The solution easily scales as your lab grows. It can be applied to labs operating thousands of square feet of warehouse space with multiple storage racks, making it particularly well-suited for large, high-volume pathology groups and clinical laboratories.

What other workflows can LigoLab's automation engine handle beyond specimen tracking?

LigoLab's Rule and Automation engines support a wide range of lab workflows, including order validation, pre-bill scrubbing, specimen routing, reflex and add-on testing, quality control automation, and digital pathology integration.

Does LigoLab require a large upfront investment to get started?

No. LigoLab offers a tiered pricing model that eliminates the need for large upfront capital requirements. LigoLab subsidizes implementation and training costs. Customers select the tier that best matches their current size and complexity, and upgrade as they grow.