How LIS Software Helps Pathologists Sign Out Anatomic Pathology Cases Faster

We invite you to join Implementations Director Petros Martirosian as he demonstrates how the all-in-one LigoLab Informatics Platform, the signature product of an enterprise clinical and pathology lab software company specializing in advanced laboratory information system (LIS) and lab billing software, helps pathologists review more cases and sign them out faster.

Of note, LigoLab's LIS pathology lab management solution also includes an interwoven, silo-free module for laboratory revenue cycle management (lab RCM) and in-house laboratory billing. We'll highlight that part of the platform a bit later.

With the following video tutorial and screenshots, Martirosian showcases the intuitive, user-friendly interface of LigoLab's anatomical pathology software and how the lab information system platform optimizes laboratory workflow management by minimizing clicks, boosting pathologist productivity, and turnaround times.

Martirosian opens the tutorial by explaining which basic anatomic pathology LIS case scenarios the tutorial will highlight:

• Laboratory information system sign-out with a diagnosis template
• Lab information system sign-out with a camera
• LIS system sign-out without a camera
• Lab information system sign-out using voice dictation software

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LIS Pathology Case Sign-Out Tutorial

Launching the LIS Pathology Module and the Pathologist Queue

Martirosian begins by launching the medical laboratory information system software and logging in. From there, he is taken directly to the LIS system's Pathologist Queue, where all cases assigned to pathologists are listed and ready for review.

Learn More: The Role of Anatomic Pathology Software in Optimizing Laboratory Workflow Management

The LIS System Diagnosis Template Sign-Out

Martirosian starts the tutorial by demonstrating how a pathologist signs out a case using a diagnosis template. He takes a slide and scans it into the LIS system module with a barcode scanner. The scan automatically opens a Microscopic Surgical Template with the cursor conveniently positioned in the Final Diagnosis field.

Entering the Template Code

The pathologist enters a preconfigured template code, then presses the space bar. Upon doing so, the lab information system automatically populates the Microscopic Description, Final Diagnosis, and Report Comment fields. This action also prompts the LIS pathology software to assign the appropriate CPT and ICD codes for the case, with all data automatically populating within the Lab Report.

Releasing the Case

Next, the pathologist clicks the "Release" button located directly below the Lab Report. It opens a Microscopic Pre-release Checklist window that displays all relevant information at the last minute. For example, if the staff has not yet performed an interoperative consultation, that notification appears here.

It's important to note that the Pre-release Checklist is an optional window, and you can disable it at your discretion.

After this final review, the pathologist simply clicks "OK" to release the case and return to the Pathologist Queue, where the lab information system module stores all remaining cases.

As you can see, the LigoLab Informatics Platform and its Pathologist Queue enable quick sign-out, requiring only a few intuitive steps to go from case review to case release.

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The Laboratory Information System and Microscope Camera Sign-Out

The tutorial continues with Martirosian selecting a second slide and scanning it into the LIS system. Like before, the scan prompts the anatomic pathology software to open the Microscopic Surgical Template.

Capturing an Image from the Microscope Camera

From here, the pathologist can capture an image directly from a microscope camera integrated into the LIS medical solution by clicking the "Camera" icon on the right side of the template. After clicking the icon, the anatomic pathology LIS displays the live image shown through the microscope camera. The pathologist can then adjust the camera before capturing the desired image using the "Camera" icon within the microscope camera window.

Adding the Image to the Lab Report

Once captured, the LIS system module automatically adds the image to the case. The pathologist can then add a brief description and annotations to the image before clicking "Save." Once saved, the LIS lab application automatically drops the image into the Lab Report.

Completing the Sign-Out

The pathologist then enters a preconfigured template code into the Final Diagnosis field, as in the previous scenario, to automatically populate the Final Diagnosis, Microscopic Description, and Report Comment fields. The proper CPT and ICD codes are also automatically assigned to the case at this stage.

The pathologist next releases the case, reviews the Microscopic Pre-release Checklist, and clicks "OK" to sign out the case and remove it from the Pathologist Queue.

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The LIS System and No Camera Sign-Out

Next, Martirosian demonstrates how to insert an image file captured by an external source directly into a Lab Report. He scans in a third slide, and the Microscopic Surgical Template appears.

Selecting an Image from a Local Folder

This time, instead of clicking the "Camera" icon, he clicks the "Folder" icon directly to its left. This action opens a window that enables the pathologist to navigate local folders on the workstation, select the desired image, and add it to the Lab Report.

Martirosian selects an image and clicks "Select," which opens the "Add/Modify Image" window, where he can add a quick description or annotations again, then click "Save" to add the image to the Lab Report automatically.

Using the Template Drop-Down Menu

Martirosian then demonstrates a helpful fallback for pathologists who may not recall the correct template code. Rather than entering it manually, the pathologist can choose from a list of preconfigured templates using the Final Diagnosis Template Drop-Down Menu.

After the correct template code has been identified, the pathologist double-clicks on it to add it to the case, automatically populating all relevant information.

From here, the pathologist hits "Release" at the bottom of the Lab Report and clicks "OK" after reviewing the Microscopic Pre-release Checklist to release the case from the Pathologist Queue.

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The Lab Information System Voice Dictation Sign-Out

In his final example of expedited case sign-out, Martirosian demonstrates how the innovative laboratory information system software supports fully hands-free sign-out via voice dictation software, enabling him to use only his voice to navigate the medical LIS module and complete the entire sign-out process.

How Voice Dictation Works in the LIS System

Martirosian begins by scanning a slide into the lab information system, which opens the Microscopic Surgical Template. He then enables the voice dictation solution by integrating it with the laboratory information system and populates the Final Diagnosis field solely from voice cues.

From there, he says "Open Capture," "Capture Image," "Save Image," and "Release Report" to quickly work through the case, without ever touching the LIS system's workstation keyboard.

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LigoLab’s All-in-One Medical LIS and Lab Billing Software Solution 

LigoLab has provided its anatomic pathology software and LIS pathology lab partners with the industry's most efficient laboratory information system for two decades and counting. The flagship anatomic pathology LIS software module remains the centerpiece of a comprehensive informatics platform that supports all diagnostic disciplines, including clinical laboratory, molecular diagnostics, genomics, and toxicology testing.

Empower Your Pathology Practice with a Unified LIS Platform 

To learn how LigoLab's comprehensive LIS system solutions support growing anatomic pathology groups from quick order entry to swift result entry and sign-out, plus everything in between, we urge you to connect with a product specialist today.

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Frequently Asked Questions About LIS Software for Quick Anatomic Pathology Case Sign-Out

What is a Pathologist Queue in an LIS system, and how does it work?

The Pathologist Queue is a centralized view within the laboratory information system that lists and organizes all cases assigned to a pathologist for review. When staff scans a slide into the LIS, the system automatically opens the relevant case template and positions the pathologist to begin their review immediately, minimizing navigation and unnecessary clicks.

How does a diagnosis template speed up the sign-out process?

Diagnosis templates enable pathologists to enter a single preconfigured code that automatically populates the Microscopic Description, Final Diagnosis, and Report Comment fields, as well as the appropriate CPT and ICD codes. It dramatically reduces manual data entry and helps ensure accuracy and consistency across cases.

Can LIS pathology software integrate directly with a microscope camera?

Yes. LigoLab's anatomic pathology LIS software supports direct integration with microscope cameras, allowing pathologists to capture, annotate, and attach images to a Lab Report without leaving the LIS system interface. It keeps the sign-out workflow fluid and eliminates the need for separate image management tools.

What if a pathologist doesn't have a camera connected to the LIS system?

Pathologists can still attach images captured by an external source by using the folder navigation feature within the LIS system. It allows them to browse local workstation folders, select the appropriate image, add descriptions or annotations, and save it directly to the Lab Report, all within the same interface.

How does voice dictation work with LIS pathology software?

LigoLab's laboratory information system integrates with the leading voice dictation solutions, enabling pathologists to complete the entire sign-out process hands-free. Using voice commands, they can open image capture, save images, populate diagnosis fields, and release reports, all without touching the keyboard.

What is the Microscopic Pre-release Checklist, and is it required?

The Microscopic Pre-release Checklist is an optional window that appears before a case is released, displaying all relevant case information for a final review. It can flag outstanding items, such as an incomplete interoperative consultation, to help prevent errors before sign-out. Labs can turn this feature on or off based on their workflow preferences.

Does LigoLab's anatomic pathology LIS software support other diagnostic disciplines beyond anatomic pathology?

Yes. While anatomic pathology is the centerpiece of the LigoLab Informatics Platform, the comprehensive system supports all major diagnostic disciplines, including clinical laboratory, molecular diagnostics, genomics, and toxicology testing. The platform also includes an integrated lab revenue cycle management module for in-house laboratory billing, making it a true all-in-one solution.

How does LigoLab's LIS software improve pathologists' turnaround times?

The platform minimizes clicks and streamlines every step of the case sign-out process by design. Whether using diagnosis templates, camera integration, folder-based image imports, or voice dictation, each workflow reduces friction, enabling pathologists to move through their queue faster without sacrificing accuracy or documentation quality.