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Is Your Laboratory Information System Able to Support the Latest LIS System Technology?
March 27, 2026
Each year, the laboratory information system (LIS) software available to independent clinical laboratories and anatomic pathology groups continues to grow and become more advanced. That’s because the best laboratory information system vendors understand that their LIS lab customers need innovative new diagnostic lab software tools to withstand current challenges, such as declining reimbursement rates, rising costs, and staffing shortages.
The best LIS software technology is readily available, but are lab managers and directors fully aware of this, given their hectic day-to-day schedules?
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The Growing Awareness Gap Between Labs and LIS Software Technology
Suren Avunjian, LigoLab’s CEO, thinks so. He recently noticed more awareness when discussing laboratory information system functions with potential new customers.
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“We're seeing more and more well-educated prospects coming to us to discuss the exact lab information system issues that they are having, and that's been enlightening,” he said. “Overall, I think there's a lot more awareness of what laboratory information system companies are offering and where the LIS software constraints are. These potential new customers are doing their homework, and that benefits everyone.”
Avunjian also noted that the sales process between laboratory information system companies and medical labs typically takes several months to unfold, often including multiple LIS system demonstrations.
“The sales cycles are long, and they should be because this is such an important decision for the organization. Advanced pathology software is truly mission-critical. Fortunately, decision-makers at the lab level are paying attention, asking the right questions, doing their due diligence, and choosing the best LIS systems for their operations,” he said.
Discover More: Best LIS Software - Maximize Growth With Cutting Edge Pathology Lab Management Software
The Cost of Staying on Outdated LIS Software
Still, across the laboratory spectrum, there is room for improvement, and a study published in Clinical Lab Products found that nearly a quarter of respondents were unsatisfied or highly unsatisfied with their laboratory information system software.
A key source of this widespread dissatisfaction is that many labs are still relying on outdated pathology lab reporting software, some more than a decade old, despite the availability of modern, innovative LIS healthcare technology designed to streamline and improve operations.
Get Insight: Comparing LigoLab Informatics Platform with Legacy Laboratory Information System Software
The Hidden Financial Impact of Legacy LIS Systems
Avunjian expressed concern that many labs are missing out on a decade’s worth of technological advancement. He noted that outdated LIS systems rely heavily on manual processes, creating inefficiencies in clinical lab workflow and hindering sustainable growth.
Compounding the issue, these manual workflows, when combined with ongoing LIS staffing shortages among medical laboratory technologists, can have a serious negative impact on a lab’s financial performance.
Avunjian said labs should factor this impact into the total cost of ownership for their LIS systems. He warned labs not to remain with the status quo or choose “cheap” LIS software solutions, because inefficient lab workflow will increase labor costs, frustrate staff, lower morale, lengthen processing times, and increase the potential for errors, all of which harm patient care and reduce lab revenues.
“It's crucial to understand that investing in up-to-date laboratory information system software isn't just about keeping up with LIS lab technology. It's about ensuring overall operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and success in a challenging healthcare environment,” he said.
White Paper: Transitioning from CoPath to LigoLab - A Seamless Path to LIS System Modernization
Recent Advancements in Laboratory Information System Technology
Let’s take a closer look at how medical laboratory information system software technology has evolved in recent years, giving lab operators still using legacy LIS systems a clearer picture of where the most significant advancements have occurred.
Cloud-Based Laboratory Information System Software Solutions:
Cloud-based LIS software solutions continue to gain popularity because they offer labs greater flexibility, scalability, and accessibility. Additionally, providers across the healthcare continuum can securely access the data from various locations, thereby improving collaboration and streamlining clinical lab workflow and pathology lab management.
Industry Insights: Examining the Pros and Cons of Cloud-Based LIS System Solutions
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:
Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, once integrated into pathology LIS systems, can automate repetitive and routine tasks, improve data interpretation, and enhance diagnostic accuracy. When supported by modern medical laboratory information system functions, these technologies can assist with pattern recognition, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics.
Discover More: Best Practices for Preparing Medical Labs for AI Integration in Technical and Financial Operations
LIS Healthcare Interoperability Standards:
The emphasis on interoperability between laboratory software systems (LIS systems, EHRs, laboratory billing systems, etc.) continues to grow. Modern LIS medical software that supports standards such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) and Health Level Seven (HL7) has facilitated seamless communication between laboratories and their provider clients.
Discover More: LigoLab Delivers the LIS System Interoperability Needed to Transform Medical Laboratories into Thriving Businesses
Rule-Based Automation Engines:
Developers build modern laboratory information systems with rules and automation engines that automate processes via decision-support trees. It contributes not only to direct cost savings from labor otherwise spent but also to increased efficiency, fewer errors, and quicker turnaround times.
Discover More: How Lab Billing and Coding Automation Increases Laboratory Revenue
Fully Integrated Laboratory Billing Solutions:
The best LIS systems offer clients modern features and functionality encompassed within an all-in-one LIS software platform that also covers laboratory billing (lab revenue cycle management). Fully integrated laboratory billing solutions such as this excel in data integrity because all case and patient data is stored in one comprehensive informatics platform, enabling the lab billing module with full visibility of all technical operations and maximizing coding opportunities, eliminating the data silos and the need to synchronize master files across multiple laboratory software systems.
Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing:
Mobile-friendly web portals and direct-to-consumer lab testing applications like TestDirectly (TestDirectly.com) enable both healthcare professionals and patients to access LIS system data (lab test results as consumer lab reports) on the go. The best LIS software platforms have adapted to support direct-to-consumer lab testing and a unified patient experience, delivering real-time results to all stakeholders and enabling faster decision-making.
Discover More: Highlighting the Versatility of the TestDirectly Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing Portal
Advanced Data Analytics:
The best laboratory information system software solutions can incorporate advanced data analytics capabilities into the clinical lab workflow. This enables laboratories to leverage insights from large datasets to make data-driven decisions that improve both operations and patient outcomes.
On-Demand Webinar: How Standardization and Enhanced Reporting Capabilities Improve Lab Workflow and Overall Business Operations
Improved Reporting and Visualization Tools:
The best LIS software platforms also feature enhanced lab reporting and visualization tools that present laboratory data in a more understandable, actionable format, improving the communication of test results to both healthcare providers and patients.
Discover More: How LigoLab's Pathology Lab Software Supports Lab Report Customization and Client Preferences
Enhanced User Experience:
Leading LIS software vendors recognize the importance of user experience and have made intuitive, user-friendly interfaces a top priority. Today’s top lab information system software includes customizable dashboards and widgets, drag-and-drop functionality, and streamlined workflows tailored to specific user roles.
Discover More: Understanding the Importance of Real-Time Analytics in the Modern Clinical Laboratory
Compliance with Evolving Regulatory Standards:
Laboratory information system companies consistently update their LIS pathology platforms to keep pace with the ever-evolving regulatory standards. These updates help labs remain compliant with critical guidelines on data privacy, security, and reporting.
Industry Insights: Regulators Are Rewriting HIPAA - Survival Guide for Clinical & Pathology Labs
LIS System Self-Assessment: Is Your Lab's Technology Keeping Up?
Now that we've examined the importance of deploying modern laboratory information system software, let's turn to how labs can assess their current medical LIS technology and identify areas for improvement.
Use the following self-assessment questions to evaluate your current LIS system.
Data and Integration
Data silos and LIS system fragmentation: Does your lab utilize multiple diagnostic lab software systems to manage various aspects of operations, such as financial, technical, and clinical data?
Integration capabilities: Does your lab information system seamlessly integrate with other laboratory software and devices, such as EHRs, laboratory billing systems, and analytical instruments?
Data management and accessibility: How effectively does your lab's LIS system manage, store, and provide easy access to lab data?
Scalability and Flexibility
Scalability: Can your LIS laboratory information system handle an increase in test volume and adapt to new tests or technologies without significant modifications?
Customization and flexibility: Can the pathology software powering the LIS system be customized to fit your unique lab workflow?
Future planning and technological advancements: Can your LIS system keep pace with innovations such as digital pathology solutions and AI integration?
Usability and Support
User interface and usability: Is your LIS system's user interface intuitive and easy to use? Do staff members find it user-friendly for navigation and task performance?
Support and maintenance: Does your LIS company deliver reliable technical support and consistent software updates? Are you satisfied with the responsiveness and quality of service?
Performance and reliability: Does the LIS system consistently perform without frequent downtime or errors?
Reporting and Analytics
Analytics and reporting capabilities: Does your laboratory information system software provide robust data analytics and flexible reporting options to support decision-making and operational insights?
Discover More: Stability and Performance - The Two Most Important Aspects of a Modern Laboratory Operation
At LigoLab, We Help You Win!
In today’s business environment, it's clear that medical labs need to leverage advanced laboratory information system software to run their businesses more effectively and support the dynamic needs of their laboratory customers.
At LigoLab, our approach begins with delivering the most modern, comprehensive, and flexible laboratory information system software available. We then take it a step further by backing it with exceptional white-glove support for our customers.
If you’re interested in improved performance and productivity, and winning in your marketplace, contact us today. That way, you can see firsthand how our advanced LIS software solutions enable success and growth for all of our lab partners.
Don’t Wait: Speak with a LigoLab Product Specialist!
Frequently Asked Questions About LIS System Technology
How do I know if my lab's LIS system is outdated?
Key signs include heavy reliance on manual processes, poor integration with EHRs or laboratory billing systems, inability to scale with test volume, frequent downtime, and a lack of support for modern features such as AI, cloud access, or direct-to-consumer lab testing. A recent industry study found that nearly one in four labs reported dissatisfaction with their current LIS software, often because it hasn't kept pace with technological advances over the past decade.
What are the biggest advancements in LIS system technology in recent years?
The most significant advancements include cloud-based laboratory information system deployment, AI and machine-learning integration, interoperability standards such as FHIR and HL7, rule-based automation engines, fully integrated lab billing and lab RCM, direct-to-consumer lab testing portals, advanced data analytics, and improved reporting and visualization tools.
Why does it matter if I do not integrate my LIS system with lab billing?
When a LIS system and lab billing application operate as separate platforms, data must be manually transferred between them, which introduces errors, creates delays, and generates data silos. An integrated platform ensures that lab billing begins at order inception through real-time eligibility checks and automated coding, increasing clean claim rates, reducing denials, and improving overall revenue capture.
How long does it typically take to switch to a new LIS system?
The timeline varies based on lab size, testing volume, and complexity of existing systems. Still, the sales and evaluation process alone typically takes several months, including multiple demonstrations and stakeholder reviews. Implementation timelines vary further depending on the platform and the level of configuration required. Choosing a LIS system vendor with a white-glove implementation model significantly reduces friction during the transition.
What is the total cost of ownership for a legacy LIS system?
Beyond licensing and maintenance fees, the true cost of a legacy LIS system includes inflated labor costs from manual workflows, revenue loss due to lab billing errors and claim denials, staffing frustration and turnover, longer turnaround times, and increased error rates that affect patient care. These hidden costs often far exceed the perceived savings of staying on an older, cheaper system.
What is rule-based automation in a LIS system, and why does it matter?
Rule-based automation uses predefined decision-support logic to automatically handle repetitive tasks, such as CPT and ICD coding, eligibility verification, and quality control checks, without manual intervention. It reduces labor costs, eliminates coding errors, speeds up turnaround times, and ensures consistent compliance across every case processed by the lab.
What should labs prioritize when evaluating a new LIS system?
Labs should evaluate LIS software vendors across ten core areas: data integration and interoperability, scalability, customization, user experience, AI and analytics capabilities, compliance support, direct-to-consumer testing, integrated lab billing and lab revenue cycle management, reporting tools, and the quality of ongoing technical support. Lab vendors who offer all of these in a single unified platform with transparent pricing and no hidden upgrade costs represent the strongest long-term investment.
How does LigoLab address the most common LIS system pain points?
LigoLab's all-in-one platform natively unifies LIS system and lab RCM modules on a shared database, eliminating data silos and manual workarounds. The platform includes a built-in rules engine, AI-ready architecture, cloud accessibility, support for direct-to-consumer labs via TestDirectly, and advanced reporting tools, all backed by white-glove support and transparent tiered pricing with no upfront licensing fees or hidden upgrade costs.
