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How Laboratory Information System Software Helps Medical Labs Offer Flawless Service
June 25, 2025
The workflow in medical laboratories can be complex because they are required to maintain real-time coordination between lab instruments, collected samples, and test results in lab reports. Most labs handle a huge amount of sensitive patient data, so maintaining 100% percent accuracy while dealing with these data points is essential.
Even a minor mix-up in clinical lab workflow can be expensive and may compromise a patient’s care. That’s why the scope for human error needs to be minimized to maintain the quality and integrity of the clinical laboratory.
This is where a laboratory information system (LIS software) comes in. Throughout this article, we will discuss what laboratory information system software is. We’ll also explain the advantages of using modern LIS software and share best practices for selecting the best laboratory information system software for your laboratory needs.
Learn More: The Best Laboratory Information System Companies and the Advantages They Offer to Their Laboratory Clients
What is LIS in Healthcare?
A laboratory information system is a pathology lab management software that supports modern medical laboratory operations with real-time data and sample tracking, laboratory workflow management, and data exchange interfaces.
Laboratory technicians, pathologists, and medical directors rely on this LIS healthcare software to coordinate tests such as histology, microbiology, biochemistry, and many more. Laboratory information system functions also include basic features such as order entry, specimen handling, lab reporting, and storage of a patient's previous laboratory test results in its database.
Modern LIS medical software enables clinical laboratories and pathology groups to automate lab operations and manage the samples and data associated with them. These advanced LIS systems also support lab billing (lab revenue cycle management), direct-to-consumer lab testing (learn more about TestDirectly), and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital pathology solutions. An efficient lab information system is cost-effective, reduces time spent on manual tasks, and increases productivity.
Industry Insights: The AI Revolution in Laboratory Billing: A Game Changer for 2025 and Beyond
The Benefits of Using Laboratory Information System Software Automation
Laboratory information systems with purpose-built rules and automation can assist medical labs in several ways. Here are some of the key benefits of using LIS software to create automated labs that enhance LIS staffing and pathology lab management:
Real-Time Sample Tracking
Laboratory information systems generally include a feature known as a sample tracking workflow manager. This manager automates the sample tracking and handling process. As soon as the lab collects a sample, the LIS lab software assigns a barcode to that sample.
The barcode contains details like the names of the lab assistants responsible for testing the samples and the equipment they used. It ties the results back to the patient’s electronic health record (EHR) stored in the LIS system.
Enhanced TAT and Error-Free Results
Modern LIS systems streamline the order-to-result process by eliminating manual accessioning. Through direct integration with EHRs or provider-facing outreach portals, electronic orders flow seamlessly into the lab, where the LIS software automatically registers each case and assigns barcodes for specimen tracking. This automation removes the need for paper requisitions and manual data entry, significantly reducing human error and accelerating turnaround times.
Unlike legacy LIS systems that often rely on middleware, advanced LIS software platforms offer built-in functionality—such as integrated pathology reporting—within a single system. Data from analyzers is transferred directly into the LIS, enabling automatic report generation. The result is faster processing, reduced labor costs, and improved accuracy.
Pathology Lab Management of Documentation
Previous test results, ailment history, and other patient healthcare information can be critical for determining the course of treatment. It becomes even more vital for patients admitted to specialized facilities.
A modern lab information system collates the patient’s medical history at the testing institution. This enables the comparison of results and a detailed and accurate interpretation of the findings.
Laboratory Revenue Cycle Management and Effective Laboratory Billing Solutions
Laboratory revenue cycle management (lab RCM) in healthcare facilities is a complex and often laborious process. Managing patient registration, scheduling tests, coding diagnoses, reaching out to the insurance company, and reworking denied claims – all these tasks typically require precision, skill, and lots of time and manual labor.
Advanced laboratory information systems can make things easier, however, by automating many of these lab billing tasks. LIS software, when integrated with modern laboratory billing solutions, can contribute to patient scheduling and document management, set reminders, and optimize the laboratory billing process.
Learn More: Laboratory Billing Automation: Boosting Efficiency & Clean Claim Rates
Open to Scale
An advanced laboratory information system enables users to leverage all of its modules at any time without the need for additional hardware, servers, middleware, or interfaces. Some laboratory information system vendors even offer LIS pathology solutions built on a singular database that removes silos and forms the foundation of an all-in-one platform, one that supports all LIS system software and all in-house lab billing functionality. In this scenario, finger-pointing among multiple lab vendors is replaced by a single system and one source of truth for all lab data.
Learn More: Six Reasons Why You Should Choose an Integrated Laboratory Billing Solution for Your Medical Lab
How Laboratory Information Systems Help with Regulatory Requirements
Medical labs are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements, including CLIA compliance, which is overseen by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Labs that apply for accreditation by an industry body, such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP), must also comply with specific requirements.
These regulations include aspects of human resources, such as knowledge and training, and clinical laboratory management, such as SOPs, quality control, and equipment maintenance. This includes, for example, systems for ensuring reagents are not expired, calibration of equipment, and traceability.
By standardizing key workflows, advanced LIS medical solutions help labs follow best practices aligned with CLIA guidelines. These LIS systems preserve data integrity, quickly identify discrepancies that could raise red flags during inspections, and ensure records are organized and readily accessible for audits.
White Paper: Comparing LigoLab Informatics Platform with Legacy Laboratory Information System Software
LIS Systems and Laboratory Information Management Systems
The terms laboratory information system (LIS) and laboratory information management system (LIMS) are often used interchangeably, even though, in most cases, they serve different purposes. An LIS system is specifically designed for clinical and pathology labs within the healthcare setting, focusing on patient-centric workflows, diagnostic testing, and regulatory compliance.
On the other hand, a lab LIMS is typically used in non-medical testing environments such as pharmaceutical research, environmental monitoring, and food safety, where sample tracking and data management are the primary concerns.
For an examination of key differences between these two types of laboratory software, click the link below.
How to Choose Laboratory Information System Software
The features of lab information system software were once limited to managing orders, keeping records, and producing test reports. But today’s LIS systems have become significantly more sophisticated to match the requirements of a complex healthcare system.
In today’s complex laboratory environment, selecting just any LIS system isn’t enough. Testing facilities must carefully evaluate their options to ensure the solution meets both current needs and future demands. Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing the best LIS software for your lab:
Laboratory Requirements
Requirements for medical laboratories vary depending on the cases they have to deal with. When selecting LIS software, consider your specific needs to find the medical laboratory solution that provides the perfect fit for your lab operations.
Operational Efficiency
Ideally, the LIS software you select should offer an end-to-end solution that empowers technicians to identify and resolve issues in real time. Addressing pain points and bottlenecks as they occur leads to greater control over lab operations, quicker turnaround times, and a better overall experience for clients and providers.
Security
Medical laboratories handle sensitive personal health information, making patient confidentiality a top priority. The LIS system you choose must have strong security measures in place and fully comply with regulatory standards to ensure data is protected at all times.
Cost and Scalability
The purchasing of a lab information system is not a one-time investment, and the buyer should be on the lookout for hidden costs. For instance, you may need to pay for customizations, maintenance, LIS software upgrades, and after-purchase technical support. Before making a decision, consider whether it is the most cost-effective option.
Learn More: What You Need to Know Before Contracting with a Laboratory Information System (LIS) Company
Also, enquire about the scalability options for the LIS system you are interested in. In the future, as your business grows, you will want to upgrade the LIS system to meet your needs without migrating to a new system. Pathology LIS systems that are fully supported by laboratory information system vendors that are committed to continuous improvement of the system - that’s what you should be looking for.
For example, with LigoLab, the cost to license the LIS software is straightforward and aligned with the medical lab. The LIS company doesn’t nickel and dime its customers by putting limits on seats and modules. Instead, it establishes long-term relationships with a transactional tiered pricing model based on the size of the lab, one that includes shared risk, unlimited technical support, and rapid development.
LigoLab’s close alignment with its lab partners drives its commitment to continuously developing new LIS lab features and enhancements that help customers stay competitive, pursue growth opportunities, and scale effectively. With the platform being updated daily, lab operators can feel confident that they’re investing in a future-ready LIS system built to evolve with their needs.
Learn More: LigoLab’s New Tiered Pricing Model for its LIS Platform Delivers a Tailored Fit and Maximum Value
Final Thoughts on Laboratory Information Systems
Laboratory information systems play a vital role in ensuring accuracy and streamlining pathology lab operations. With several LIS software solutions available on the market, it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your workflows and goals, empowering your lab to operate more efficiently, deliver better results, and increase profitability.
About LigoLab
LigoLab is a leading provider of innovative end-to-end laboratory information system software for medical laboratories, servicing hundreds of facilities nationwide. As a comprehensive enterprise-grade LIS software solution, the LigoLab Medical LIS & Lab RCM Informatics Platform includes modules for anatomic pathology, clinical laboratory, molecular diagnostics, lab revenue cycle management, and direct-to-consumer lab testing, all on a single integrated platform that supports every role, department, and case.
LigoLab empowers medical laboratories to differentiate, scale, and become more compliant and profitable.
