Pathology Software and Laboratory Information Technology

A few months ago, we produced a blog post highlighting key questions all pathology practices should ask when evaluating today’s pathology lab software and laboratory information systems. The questions in that blog primarily focused on the support offered by leading laboratory information system companies.

Here's a link to the blog, which includes frequently asked questions intended for LIS software vendors.

Today, our focus will be on key questions for evaluating pathology software, with an emphasis on information technology.

Discover More: LIS System Benefits for IT Directors 

The Use of Information Technology in the Medical Lab

Medical laboratories utilize information technology to enhance operations and improve how patients are tested, diagnosed, and treated. As it continues to advance, its impact on laboratory medicine will only grow.

Laboratory information system software (medical LIS platforms) is an excellent example of IT applied within the laboratory setting.  

A medical laboratory information system is the centerpiece of effective laboratory workflow management for modern operations. It supports specimen tracking while aiding in lab data management and reporting, and complying with regulatory requirements.

Discover More: Best Pathology Lab Reporting Software - Buyers Guide and Checklist

Pathology Software Deployment & Laboratory Information System Architecture 

When evaluating medical LIS platforms, it's important to understand that they aren't all alike.

The best LIS software platforms differ significantly from legacy pathology LIS systems, offering the advanced flexibility and functionality that lab directors and managers can use to stay competitive in today's increasingly complex and demanding environment.

Discover More: Comparing LigoLab Informatics Platform with Legacy Laboratory Information System Software

On-Premises vs. Cloud Deployment

The best LIS pathology solutions can be deployed to fit any medical lab's organizational goals and priorities. For example, advanced laboratory information systems such as the all-in-one LigoLab Informatics Platform can be deployed either on-premises or in the cloud, providing secure access from virtually anywhere without the need for VPNs, terminal servers, or other remote-access workarounds. 

Agnostic Backend Architecture

The best laboratory information systems are engineered with an agnostic backend, which enables LIS vendors to support installations of any scale on any operating system while meeting the lab client's specific requirements for a particular installation.

Discover More: Is Your Laboratory Information System and Lab Vendor Holding Your Laboratory Hostage?

Pathology Lab Reporting Software & Information Technology FAQs

Take a moment to review the IT FAQs listed below, then confirm with the laboratory information system companies you're evaluating that their laboratory information system software has the desired functionality.

If the LIS company responds "Yes" to all the listed FAQs, you and your lab colleagues can be assured that the LIS model under review is modern and full of advanced features.

LIS System Architecture & Interface

• Does the LIS system operate with a traditional client-server architecture, with the lab database software installed on each machine that needs to access the system?
• Does the lab information system operate with a web-based interface, and can it be hosted on a server and accessed via a web browser?

LIS System Database & Scalability

• Does the LIS medical solution contain a single, centralized database that supports multiple sites and departments?
• Does the LIS system's database conform to the Open Database Connectivity Standard (ODBC)?
• Is the LIS lab platform designed to accommodate back-end database upgrades that don't require extensive reconfiguration?
• Is the LIS system negatively affected when multiple users use it simultaneously?

LIS System Security & Authentication

• Does the medical LIS apply security features to all files?
• Does the LIS system apply login security to all servers and workstations that use the pathology lab software?
• Does the LIS medical platform include mechanisms for authentication of the workstation and server? 
• Does the LIS system apply Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption on the web client interface?
• Does the lab information system encrypt client passwords in a database to support multi-case scenarios and special characters?
• Does the LIS system deploy TCP/IP as its network transport?

LIS System Data Management, Backup & Audit Trails

• Does the medical LIS have data archiving functionality, including a configurable scheduled archive for all contained data, without requiring an offline mode or human interaction to complete the task?
• Does the lab information system have automated backup and restore capability without support intervention or manual backups?
• Does the LIS system maintain the transactional history of all lab information system administrators?
• Does the LIS system include an analyst communication log that administrators can easily access?

Discover More: How LigoLab is Shaping the Future of Clinical Labs & Pathology Groups

Hardware & Software Environment Compatibility

The next four FAQs explore how the LIS software platform integrates with and supports different hardware, operating systems, and software environments. 

Hardware Environment

• Is the laboratory information system compatible with various hardware environments?
• Can the healthcare LIS system be utilized with a touchscreen?

Editor's Note: Here's an example of how a touchscreen can be utilized with the LigoLab Informatics Platform, LigoLab’s Grossing Workstation Window. 

Software Environment

• Is the lab information system compatible with various other pathology software environments?
• Does the LIS system use a non-proprietary database such as Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server?

Editor's Note: Most LigoLab Informatics Platform deployments are on a Microsoft SQL server. LigoLab provides read-only access to the database upon request.

Industry Insights: Best LIS Systems - Top Laboratory Information Systems Compared for Clinical, Pathology, and Outreach Labs

Pathology LIS Systems: a Mission-Critical Decision 

Recent laboratory surveys have shown that most users are dissatisfied with their current pathology LIS systems, citing a lack of functionality, inefficient manual lab workflows, and barriers across disparate pathology lab software systems.

In many cases, these challenges can be traced back to laboratory information systems that once met the laboratory's needs but have since become legacy pathology software solutions, unable to keep pace with evolving technology and operational demands.

An inflexible, outdated medical LIS can no longer provide the performance, reliability, scalability, and automation capabilities required to support today's increasingly complex laboratory environment.

Fortunately, modern alternatives exist. The best laboratory information system software unites all diagnostic disciplines, departments, roles, processes (including laboratory billing/lab revenue cycle management), and specimens on a single powerful end-to-end lab organization software platform that covers all technical and financial operations.

Discover More: Reduce Denials and Stop Revenue Leakage With Integrated Laboratory Billing Management

All lab directors and managers understand that selecting the best LIS system is a mission-critical decision. Choosing the wrong LIS software can hinder a lab's ability to scale efficiently, which is why lab managers must ask the right questions and thoroughly review all available resources before committing.

Industry Insights: How to Set Up a Committee to Select a Laboratory Information System

With that in mind, LigoLab offers a helpful Resource Hub that includes White Papers, Case Studies, Webinars, Testimonial Videos, and Product Overview Videos.

Additionally, here's a great external resource from Clinical Lab Products magazine: 7 Best Practices for a Successful LIMS/LIS Implementation.

LigoLab’s All-in-One Pathology Lab Management Solution 

The LigoLab Informatics Platform offers unlimited flexibility in setup, with over 1,000 configurable entities that enable users to quickly introduce new tests, results, reports, and fields.

The platform’s features include integrated medical LIS and laboratory billing modules that eliminate data silos, a custom scripting language, a flagging subsystem, as well as rules, automation, and interface engines.

Discover More: Navigating the Future of Pathology - The LigoLab Advantage

Ready to Upgrade Your Pathology Lab Software and Information Technology?

Say goodbye to your inefficient pathology lab management solution and hello to advanced LIS software.

To learn more about LigoLab's future-ready LIS system and advanced laboratory billing solutions, fill out our brief contact form and request a consultation with a LigoLab Product Specialist.

Take Action: Contact a LigoLab Product Specialist Today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pathology Software and Laboratory Information System Technology

What is a laboratory information system (LIS), and why does it matter for IT?

A laboratory information system (LIS) is software that manages and streamlines lab workflows, specimen tracking, data reporting, quality control, and regulatory compliance. From an IT perspective, it matters because LIS architecture directly affects system security, scalability, integration capabilities, and long-term maintainability across a lab's entire technology infrastructure.

What's the difference between a legacy LIS system and a modern LIS platform?

Legacy LIS systems were typically built on rigid, proprietary architectures that are difficult to update, integrate, or scale. Modern LIS platforms feature agnostic backends, web-based interfaces, cloud deployment options, automated backups, and centralized databases that support multiple sites and departments without performance degradation.

Should a pathology lab deploy its medical LIS on-premises or in the cloud?

Both options are viable, and the right choice depends on the lab's size, IT resources, and organizational priorities. The best LIS solutions support both deployment models and can run without requiring VPN connections or terminal servers, giving labs maximum flexibility.

What security features should a pathology LIS have?

A modern pathology LIS should include login security on all servers and workstations, SSL encryption on the web client interface, encrypted client passwords, server and workstation authentication mechanisms, and security applied to all system files. These features protect sensitive patient data and help labs maintain regulatory compliance.

How important is database compatibility when choosing LIS software?

Very important. A non-proprietary database (such as Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server) gives labs greater flexibility, easier third-party integrations, and reduced vendor lock-in. The database should also conform to ODBC standards and be designed to accommodate backend upgrades without requiring extensive reconfiguration.

What should labs look for in LIS data backup and archiving capabilities?

Labs should look for automated backup and restore functionality that doesn't require manual intervention or support tickets. Archiving should be configurable and scheduled, covering all system data without needing the system to go offline. Administrator audit trails and communication logs are also important for accountability and compliance.

Can a modern LIS system support touchscreens and varied hardware environments?

Yes, the best LIS platforms are designed to be hardware-agnostic and compatible with a wide range of environments, including touchscreen interfaces. This is especially useful in settings where grossing workstations with hands-free or touch-based navigation can improve workflow efficiency.