Overcoming LIS Integration Challenges: How Advanced Platforms Like LigoLab Simplify the Transition

Implementing a new laboratory information system (LIS software) is a high-stakes project for any medical lab. While rewards such as improved efficiency, automation, and data accuracy are well worth the investment, the path to go-live is often complicated by two major obstacles: LIS system integration and data migration. For many labs, these hurdles can delay implementation, strain staff resources, and even threaten business continuity.

That’s why modern systems like LigoLab’s Medical LIS & Lab RCM Informatics Platform are changing the game, offering advanced integration tools, flexible customization, and white-glove LIS system service that make the transition far smoother and more successful.

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Seamless Integration with LIS Systems: The Greatest Barrier - and the Biggest Opportunity

A major challenge when implementing a new medical LIS system is ensuring seamless integration with a lab’s existing software and hardware, including lab instruments, electronic health records (EHRs), and laboratory revenue cycle management (RCM) systems. 

According to LigoLab COO Gor Kalantaryan, “Modern labs have specialized operations that just aren’t met by off-the-shelf laboratory information systems, because those products rarely offer cost-effective customization or interface capabilities.”

To solve this, LigoLab developed a proprietary interface engine that supports bi-directional communication across nearly any format, including HL7, FHIR, ASTM, XML, JSON, and beyond. This allows LigoLab to integrate with:

• EHRs like Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth, and NextGen
• Lab instruments from Abbott, Roche, Beckman Coulter, Thermo Fisher, and more
• Reference labs like Labcorp, Quest Diagnostics, and ARUP
  Clearinghouses and lab billing platforms, including Waystar, Change Healthcare, and Availity
• Molecular diagnostic platforms and NGS workflows
• Digital pathology systems like Leica, Lumea, Philips, and Proscia
• Patient engagement portals and direct-to-consumer lab testing platforms like TestDirectly

“If an electronic device has interface capabilities, we can connect to it,” said Kalantaryan. “Our interface engine supports all requirements for EHRs, lab billing services, instruments, and more.”

This level of interoperability accelerates operations, expands capacity, and boosts profitability, key advantages for labs looking to grow.

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Flexible Integration Services for Any Lab

LigoLab offers multiple integration models to suit a lab’s specific needs. As Kalantaryan explained, “We can fully take over all interface services, give the customer’s IT team access to build them, or work in a hybrid model. There’s even a fourth option where we coordinate with a third-party lab vendor that manages the interfaces.”

This adaptability allows labs of all sizes to integrate on their terms, whether they’re running a high-volume reference lab or a small pathology group. In all cases, the LigoLab team provides hands-on assistance, ensuring the work gets done right and on time.

“When we sit down with our clients for the first time, they often tell us how painful past interface initiatives have been,” said Kalantaryan. “LigoLab makes the experience much more pleasant. The unique structure of our LIS software and our experienced interface department can turn a project that might have taken months into one that can be completed in as little as a few days or even hours.”

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Proactive Support from a Dedicated Interface Team

What truly sets LigoLab apart is its white-glove interface support. Customers aren’t left waiting weeks or months for responses, like with other laboratory information system vendors. Instead, LigoLab’s interface department is known for fast turnaround times and clear, proactive communication.

“Our dedicated team of interface professionals answers every customer request immediately,” continued Kalantaryan. “We also stay in constant communication throughout the entire process.”

Beyond basic service requests, the LigoLab team brings a consultative approach to integration. For instance, if submitted specifications are incomplete, the team proactively offers recommendations and enhancements, all to optimize lab operations.

“As a team, we take pride in our willingness to think beyond what’s ticketed,” added Kalantaryan. “Our goal is to ensure our clients have the best laboratory information system and best LIS lab workflow possible.”

Learn More: LigoLab’s Approach to LIS System Implementation and Support

Three-Step Data Migration: Clean and Complete

In addition to integration, another common LIS system implementation challenge is data migration, especially for labs with years of historical records.

LigoLab solves this with a three-step data migration process designed to ensure accuracy and continuity:

• First Import: Historical data is imported from the legacy lab information system, with any duplicate or corrupt records flagged for resolution.
• Second Import: At go-live, a second import captures any new data generated since the first transfer.
• Third Import: Three to four months later, a final import ensures all remaining data is captured, allowing the legacy LIS system to be fully retired.

This phased approach minimizes disruption and guarantees that all case data remains accessible within the new LIS software platform.

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A Better LIS System Experience from Day One

At its core, LigoLab’s approach to LIS system implementation removes friction. By delivering an open, scalable lab information system architecture backed by real-time support and powerful interface tools, LigoLab empowers laboratories to transition smoothly, without the setbacks typically associated with legacy pathology lab software solutions.

With LigoLab, outdated laboratory information systems are replaced by a powerful, all-in-one informatics platform that becomes the lab’s command center, driving efficiency, performance, and profitability.

Ready to leave integration issues behind and future-proof your operations with seamless connectivity?

Speak with a LigoLab product specialist today and schedule your personalized LIS software demo.

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LigoLab: The Future-Ready Pathology Lab Software Partner

LigoLab is a leading provider of pathology lab software, offering an all-in-one informatics platform that unifies laboratory information system (LIS) and lab revenue cycle management (Lab RCM) functionality. Built to support the complex workflows of clinical, molecular, and anatomic pathology labs, LigoLab empowers its partners to improve efficiency, scale operations, and thrive in a competitive healthcare environment.

What sets LigoLab apart is its fully integrated platform, which combines LIS system capabilities and laboratory billing functionality into one seamless pathology software solution. By eliminating the need for multiple lab vendors and fragmented software systems, LigoLab ensures complete data integrity, real-time automation, and full visibility across all lab workflows.

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Adding to this advantage is LigoLab’s team of industry veterans, many of whom have direct experience working in clinical, molecular, or anatomic pathology labs. This real-world perspective drives smarter software design, faster implementation, and highly responsive support tailored to the unique needs of laboratory environments.

Moreover, LigoLab stands out with its transparent, tiered pricing model, unlimited user access, continuous support, and free software upgrades. This commitment to customer success positions the LIS company as a strategic partner supporting operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term growth.

For laboratories seeking to modernize, streamline, and scale with confidence, LigoLab is the future-ready all-in-one solution of choice.