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LIS Systems - Learn the Basics and Find Out How the Best Laboratory Information Systems Efficiently Remove Barriers and Maximize Growth
June 23, 2025
In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, laboratory information systems (LIS software) have become essential tools for improving laboratory workflow management, efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes.
What is LIS in Healthcare?
LIS laboratory information system software is a pathology lab management system that has become a common part of the data infrastructure of advanced healthcare systems, busy laboratories, and hospitals.
LIS software is an essential pathology management software that simplifies various clinical lab workflow processes, such as:
- Recording, updating, and storing patient-related information
- Sample tracking management
- Report management (generation and distribution)
LigoLab offers enterprise-grade laboratory information system software. The fast-growing and agile LIS company is best known for its all-in-one LIS medical and laboratory revenue cycle management (lab RCM) solution, the LigoLab LIS System & Lab RCM Informatics Platform.
Learn More: The Benefits of a Modern Pathology Lab Management System
The LigoLab platform offers a single, embedded suite of laboratory information system functions designed to improve laboratory processes, including laboratory workflow management, lab billing, and direct-to-consumer lab testing for anatomic pathology groups and clinical laboratories specializing in:
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Microbiology
- Hematology
- Serology
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Genomics
Learn More: Boosting Operational Efficiency: How LigoLab Transforms Laboratory Workflows
Why are Laboratory Information Systems so Important?
Every modern anatomic and clinical pathology lab aims to become more efficient and productive. However, such goals are often hindered by outdated, non-integrated medical LIS systems and the legacy LIS vendors that produce them.
Far too often, lab technicians are forced to work with rigid and closed LIS lab solutions that fail to meet the needs of rapidly evolving laboratory environments. These medical LIS systems can’t adapt to changing times, causing user frustration with inadequate performance and reliability.
Learn More: What You Need to Know Before Contracting with a Laboratory Information System (LIS) Company
With the integration of advanced LIS lab solutions and modern laboratory information system vendors, it's now possible to leverage all-in-one LIS software and in-house laboratory billing solutions to streamline interdependent laboratory workflow management.
This new generation of LIS software vendors offers solutions that enhance clinical lab workflow management while fully supporting the laboratory billing process (with in-house billing software for labs) and regulatory compliance.
By implementing state-of-the-art pathology lab software, featuring an integrated LIS system with lab billing capabilities, these enterprises can eliminate operational barriers, boost efficiency, and strategically position themselves for growth in a dynamic and competitive healthcare landscape.
On-Demand Webinar: Leverage LIS System Rules, Automation, and Data Analytics to Increase Efficiency and Cut Costs
LIMS vs LIS: What’s the Difference?
A laboratory information management system (lab LIMS) is diagnostic lab software designed for research environments and other non-clinical laboratory settings (such as environmental, chemical, and food and beverage). The best LIMS laboratory information management system software enables industrial laboratories to manage the vast and complex data generated by large-scale operations, supporting informed decisions in maintenance, production, and product development.
In contrast, a laboratory information system (LIS) is diagnostic lab software purpose-built for clinical settings and patient-focused workflows. The best LIS software solutions deliver scalable, future-ready informatics platforms that LIS vendors can tailor to meet the specific needs of any medical laboratory, regardless of size or testing specialty.
The best LIS software systems are flexible and allow for more volume and services as laboratory operations expand due to much improved operational laboratory workflow management. They also reduce labor costs and increase revenue and profit.
Here are key laboratory information system functions that separate modern LIS software from outdated legacy LIS systems:
- Combining all departments and operations within one comprehensive laboratory information system, eliminating data silos
- Automating complex processes and reducing manual touchpoints
- Maximizing interoperability and efficiency
- Reducing human errors and lost specimens
- Generating fully customizable reports
- Offering multiple options for report delivery
- Monitoring quality control for quick identification, troubleshooting, and problem resolution
- Improving LIS lab test turnaround times
- Accessing real-time business analytics (dashboards, stats, dynamic reports) from every department
Additionally, when modern LIS systems are paired with modern laboratory billing solutions, laboratories can initiate the laboratory billing process (RCM cycle) at order inception, backed by verification, eligibility, and scrubbing components that enhance claim submissions, revenue, and accounts receivable while decreasing denials and compliance risk.
Learn More: Why Integrated LIS System and Lab RCM Software is a Catalyst for Growth
Do All Laboratory Information System Vendors Support the Same Standards for Updates, Support, and Maintenance?
Leveraging modern anatomical pathology software and diagnostic lab software that supports lab workflow is critical for laboratory operations. However, not every LIS company provides the same standard for LIS system software updates, support, and maintenance.
With LigoLab’s LIS model, laboratories maintain full control over the timing of software updates while benefiting from continuous, rapid development of new features and enhancements. Customers receive a stable, fully supported version of the platform in the Production Environment, along with two additional LIS lab environments dedicated to testing and validation.
New features are developed and rolled out to all LigoLab customers in the Test Environment, where users can familiarize themselves with the laboratory information system’s latest capabilities. Customers can then train, test, and validate updates on their schedule before they are pushed to the Production Environment.
LigoLab releases new features annually in four laboratory information system software versions, all while supporting all previous lab information system versions deployed to customer Production Environments.
Each LIS software update undergoes strict validation and regression testing before release.
Maximizing Efficiency: The Benefits of Implementing Modern Pathology LIS Systems
Medical labs can streamline processes, enhance accuracy, improve patient outcomes, and more by upgrading to a modern pathology information system.
Let’s walk through how implementing a state-of-the-art lab information system can maximize efficiency and take your lab to the next level.
Learn More: Keys to Keeping Your LIS System Implementation on Track
What Role Do Laboratory Information System Companies Play in Improving Clinical Laboratory Workflow Management?
Laboratory information systems like the LigoLab Medical LIS & Lab RCM Informatics Platform expertly handle a laboratory's data needs by seamlessly connecting and integrating all departments and lab processes (including the often complicated laboratory billing process) into one unified LIS software infrastructure and shared database.
This unified approach breaks down data silos and safeguards clinical data integrity across all departments, allowing laboratories to operate more efficiently, differentiate themselves in the market, scale their services, and improve profitability.
LigoLab was built with a clear mission: to provide a single, reliable source of truth for all laboratory data. To achieve this, the LIS company has developed an integrated suite of diagnostic lab software applications that support every facet of pathology lab management, including:
- Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing (TestDirectly and TestDirectly.com)
- Laboratory Billing
- Sample Tracking
- Case and Test Processing
- Reporting and Distribution
- Rules and Automation
- Outreach Solutions
- Document Management
- Digital Pathology Solutions
- Customer Service Management (CSM)
- And More
This comprehensive laboratory information system platform also addresses interoperability challenges by featuring a built-in interface engine that streamlines connectivity with instruments, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and third-party applications.
By utilizing LigoLab's lab information system solutions, customers can accomplish more with fewer resources, ensuring transparency in their operations and maintaining tighter control over their businesses while growing rapidly and boosting their profitability.
Industry Insights: The Competitive Edge in Laboratory Outreach - Enhancing Value Beyond Price
How Do Modern Laboratory Information Systems Outperform Traditional LIS Software Solutions?
Legacy LIS systems often struggle to provide the flexibility, automation, and interoperability required to fully support lab operations, enhance patient outcomes, expand lab testing services, and boost collections for individual laboratories.
Common LIS lab challenges that hinder growth include:
- Reliability and performance issues
- Limited functionality (insufficient modules and features)
- Scalability constraints (inability to cope with increasing demand)
- Configuration complexity (reliance on external LIS company support)
- Legacy report formats and delivery options that fail to meet customer needs
- Inefficient lab workflows and time-consuming manual processes
- A lab sample management system that lacks a robust chain of custody, unique barcode identification, and verification and security checkpoints
- Difficulty accessing data on processes, bottlenecks, and compliance
- Intradepartmental and external interoperability needs (EMR/EHR integration, APIs, laboratory instrumentation, state registries, laboratory billing services, etc.)
LigoLab’s Lab Information System Solutions: The Future of Pathology Management Software
At LigoLab, we recognize the challenges laboratories face in today’s highly competitive healthcare environment. That’s why we’ve developed advanced medical laboratory solutions designed to help labs of all sizes and specialties streamline operations, enhance patient outcomes, and reach their full potential.
Upgrade and Enhance Critical Areas with a Modern Lab Information System
With LigoLab’s informatics platform, you get a LIS model that can enhance all departmental processes at every stage, from accessioning and laboratory workflow management to sample tracking, reporting, and collections.
The platform creates automated labs by supporting and streamlining all lab workflow and processes, making it a reliable and efficient LIS lab solution for modern organizations.
Lab Revenue Cycle Management with Real-Time Order Validation
LigoLab’s medical LIS system enables laboratories to maintain a seamless and efficient lab billing workflow starting at order entry. By combining medical LIS and lab RCM modules within a unified database and shared software infrastructure, the platform supports real-time patient and payer verification, data scrubbing, coverage checks, and eligibility validation, all fully integrated into a live, queue-driven lab workflow.
With LigoLab, you get the following lab RCM features for an efficient laboratory billing process:
- Demographic check, address validation, insurance discovery, and eligibility verification at order inception
- Bidirectional synchronization with third-party services (mailing companies, clearinghouses, NPI Registry, payment processors, etc.)
- Automated ICD and CPT coding and TC/PC splitting
- Real-time data processing lab workflow queues for heightened visibility
- Detailed statistical reports to monitor trends and KPIs
Additionally, LigoLab supports the management of client contracts by providing extensive functionality, customization, and automation for client lab billing, including options like unlimited fee schedules, discounting, special pricing, capitation, incremental pricing, and automatic travel and transportation pricing.
Thanks to its comprehensive set of RCM tools, LigoLab's lab billing software for labs is more efficient, transparent, and productive than standard laboratory billing solutions. These integrated tools work in unison to prevent claim rejections and denials, significantly improving lab billing accuracy.
White Paper: Maximizing Your Lab’s Profitability: The Case for In-House Lab Billing
LigoLab’s Reliable and Accurate Pathology Specimen Tracking System
Accurate and reliable sample tracking is essential for every medical laboratory, and it’s a standard feature for the best laboratory information system software.
The LigoLab platform assigns each specimen a unique identifier, ensuring the chain of custody and security while virtually eliminating lost or misplaced orders by supporting the following laboratory information system functions:
- Integration with all barcode printing and etching hardware
- Automatic generation of a unique identifier for every specimen and document
- Full traceability of specimens with an awareness of the next step in the lab workflow
- Users can track both beginning and end times for laboratory instrumentation processing
- Automatic detection of duplicate patient profiles at order entry
LigoLab's Highly Customizable Pathology Lab Software
LigoLab’s laboratory report software solutions offer customizable, intelligent lab reports backed by high-performance reporting and distribution engines that support rule-based formatting and uniform presentation.
With the report generation engine, users can customize reports with rich-text capabilities (format, size, colors, highlights, tables, bullet points, etc.), images, diagrams, annotation, macros, conditional rules, dictation to text, CAP cancer protocol templates, and automated distribution based on the customer's preference.
Delivery options include a provider portal, outreach software, EHR, fax, secure email, in-house printing, PDF drops, APIs, IVR, SMS, and a remote print server.
LigoLab’s laboratory report software also features:
- Standardized report structure based on industry trends
- Custom template format for client satisfaction and co-branding
- Integrated reports for time-saving efficiency
- Cumulative reports for patient safety and continuity
- Automated distribution based on customer preferences
Learn More: How LigoLab's Pathology Lab Software Supports Lab Report Customization and Client Preferences
Access Your Lab Reports Anytime and Anywhere with LigoLab Connect
LigoLab Connect is a provider portal that enables medical practitioners and laboratory specialists to interact with the laboratory remotely by providing 24/7 access. Clients can search reports, retrieve cumulative charts, fax, and gain access to all patient-related scanned documents by utilizing this innovative LIS system outreach solution.
LigoLab Connect features include:
- Free and easy installation with unlimited licensing for downloads
- Secure internet application that serves as an extension of the laboratory
- No need for third-party outreach or middleware pathology software
- Custom branding with company logos
- Self-service tools for inventory management and access to scanned documents to reduce customer service calls
LigoLab Web Connect is a new addition to the lab outreach toolkit, a web-based version of LigoLab Connect that provides the same instant access to the LigoLab platform anytime, anywhere, without the need to install pathology lab software.
Learn More: LigoLab’s Provider Portal Facilitates Faster Order Processing and Improved Turnaround Times
TestDirectly: Empowering Labs and Patients with Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing
The TestDirectly direct-to-consumer lab testing web portal enhances testing capacity and turnaround times by establishing a fully electronic clinical lab workflow that connects labs directly with patients for specimen collection, testing, and results reporting.
Through TestDirectly, patients can self-register, schedule collection appointments, and receive automated lab result notifications via email and text. Moreover, organizations can become direct-to-consumer labs.
Other key features of the TestDirectly direct-to-consumer lab testing portal include:
- Integration with all LIS systems and lab billing systems to enhance pathology lab management and reporting
- Increased accessibility to direct-to-consumer lab testing that opens new revenue streams
- Live insurance discovery and eligibility checks
- Specimen barcoding and sample tracking management support
- Report delivery options via email, text, portal, or interface
- Real-time results and analytics for patients, providers, employers, and public health
- Support for all direct-to-consumer lab testing collection workflows, such as drive-through, walk-up, concierge, organizational, travel, pooled, and at-home test kits
Learn More: Highlighting the Versatility of the TestDirectly Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing Portal
Future-Proof Your Lab: The Best LIS Software Maximizes Interoperability
LigoLab’s advanced lab information system features an open architecture and a best-in-class interface engine functioning with maximum interoperability, enabling the LIS software to connect with the following laboratory software systems:
- A vast majority of analyzers (over 600 different instrument types)
- All electronic health record systems
- Third-party services
This includes internal networking and connections with external networks of other healthcare organizations, such as laboratory billing services, the Tumor Registry, and state reporting agencies.
LigoLab’s proprietary interface engine supports all standard interchange protocols, including:
- API
- FHIR
- HL7
- X12
- XML
- Flat File
- ASTM
- CSV
- And More
Automate Complex Processes and Reduce the Need for Human Intervention with Modern LIS Laboratory Information System Software
LigoLab's rule and automation engines support automated labs. The rule engine empowers users to configure complex laboratory workflow management processes without custom scripts. Next, the automation engine triggers actions when certain logical conditions are met, drastically reducing the need for human intervention.
The engines support:
- Agile LIS lab applications that automate laboratory processes for optimal efficiency
- Real-time lab workflow queues for heightened clinical data visibility
- Flexibly designed LIS lab infrastructure
- Multi-layered lab workflow management control
Learn More: Unleashing Laboratory Excellence - Here’s How LigoLab’s Automation Engine Supercharges Lab Performance
Regulatory Compliance and Audits Made Easy
To ensure that your laboratory operates within the guidelines of regulatory bodies such as CAP, CLIA, HIPAA, and others, LigoLab offers specialized tools that minimize compliance risks and prevent revenue loss, including:
- Compliance-conscious lab workflow and reports
- Ad hoc data query capabilities
- Support for all established regulatory protocols
- Compliance verification at every stage
Learn More: A Detailed Look at How Modern Laboratory Information Systems Fully Support Quality Control
Protect Your Lab and Patient Data with LigoLab's Advanced Security Features
LigoLab offers advanced security and privacy features that protect the laboratory and the patient’s data.
This includes:
- Automatic log-off for user inactivity
- A robust and searchable audit trail that logs every activity
- User permission and visibility control
Learn More: Protect Your Lab with Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures
Invest in Your Lab's Future: Laboratory Information System Software with a Proven ROI
“The end-to-end efficiency created by LigoLab Informatics Platform is why lab directors and managers choose a LIS system like ours. Many of our lab partners migrated from homegrown or legacy LIS systems that lacked functionality, reliability, and scalability.”
- Suren Avunjian, LigoLab CEO
Avunjian said it’s common for lab directors and managers to resist switching lab information system solutions because of fear.
“These lab directors and managers are being held hostage by their current laboratory information system vendors because they haven’t seen a return on their initial investment. This leaves lab management stuck and forced to make the best out of a bad situation that will only worsen.”
So, how can lab leaders guarantee a healthy return on their investment with LigoLab's LIS laboratory information system solution?
“Our laboratory information system software drives lab workflow, supported by automation and rules that help the lab organization become super-efficient and virtually mistake-free. The LigoLab platform removes the bottlenecks and barriers that prevent scalability. When we survey our clients, we regularly hear how they’ve increased lab productivity measured by samples processed per FTE staff by two-and-a-half times simply by deploying our lab information system software.”
Avunjian noted that ROI can be difficult to measure, but the fact that the platform enables labs to scale without adding full-time equivalents is a good start.
"Once our laboratory information system is implemented, labs can handle increased volume without adding staff, because they’re no longer constrained by outdated LIS pathology technology. With LigoLab, they can break through the artificial ceiling that’s been limiting their growth."
For Avunjian and his team, it’s no surprise that the fastest-growing labs in the country are using LigoLab's game-changing laboratory information system platform.
“They’ve abandoned their old restrictive LIS systems and the legacy laboratory information system companies they were working with and replaced them with a comprehensive and infinitely configurable LIS system platform supported with unlimited and unmatched customer service.”
White Paper: Comparing LigoLab Informatics Platform with Legacy Laboratory Information System Software
Achieving a Seamless Laboratory Information System Environment: LigoLab's Four-Phase Implementation Process
LigoLab's track record speaks for itself: a 100 percent success rate for laboratory information system implementations. Credit the LIS company for meticulously following a four-phase installation plan that draws on nearly two decades of expertise and hundreds of successful go-lives.
Here are the four phases of LigoLab's LIS lab implementation plan:
Discovery: In-depth domain analysis that evaluates all laboratory workflows, tools, and instruments. LigoLab's team maps out the lab's operation from top to bottom, identifies key areas that need improvement, and develops an implementation plan.
Configuration: LigoLab's implementation team configures the baseline settings of master files, historical data imports, and interface builds, based on the plan developed after the Discovery phase.
Testing and Validation: The laboratory begins processing live cases in parallel, and any lab workflow gaps are discovered and addressed. LigoLab's team ensures the laboratory information system software is smoothly aligned with the lab's requirements.
Go-Live: After testing and validating, the new laboratory information system software is ready for live cases. LigoLab's team works closely with lab personnel to resolve any issues that arise and make adjustments as needed, while also providing unparalleled customer support.
White Paper: Best Practices Guide - Managing LIS System Timelines for Vendor Research and Implementation
LigoLab: Laboratory Information System Vendors with a History of Lab Growth and Success
At LigoLab, we're passionate about helping independent clinical laboratories and anatomic pathology groups reach their full potential. Our comprehensive and agile laboratory information system software is designed to empower labs of all sizes and specialties to thrive in today's competitive healthcare landscape.
Our commitment to excellence starts with our name, which comes from the Latin word "Ligo," meaning to unite or connect. By connecting our lab partners with our powerful, silo-free laboratory information system solutions, we can help them achieve their goals and directly impact the patients they serve.
Our informatics platform is built for scalability and ease of use, with features and enhancements added daily to ensure that labs have the tools they need to succeed. We’re committed to data security - labs can trust us to protect their sensitive information - and our LIS software automation and laboratory workflow management tools help them work more efficiently than ever before.
Whether you're a clinical, anatomic, or molecular lab, our advanced LIS software solutions are designed to streamline your operations, increase productivity, and position you for success in a rapidly evolving industry.
LigoLab is a privately owned LIS company that’s headquartered in Los Angeles. Since 2006, our mission has been to develop dynamic and diverse end-to-end LIS systems and laboratory billing solutions for laboratories, helping them expand and increase revenue as they grow and thrive.
At LigoLab, we have a well-earned reputation for providing the best laboratory information system software solutions. Let our all-in-one LIS software platform unite your lab with the modern tools to achieve your goals and transform your business.
Learn More: A Closer Look at LigoLab’s Commitment to Innovation
