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How To Unify Disparate & Poorly Integrated Laboratory IT Systems
How To Unify Disparate & Poorly Integrated Laboratory IT Systems
How To Unify Disparate & Poorly Integrated Laboratory IT Systems
The global laboratory information management systems market is expected to reach 2.4 billion USD by 2030, up from 825 million USD in 2019. That’s a lot of growth.
To manage that demand, labs spend a lot of money every year on laboratory informatics technology — including lab information systems, network infrastructure, or other IT-related expenses such as licensing and computer hardware.
It’s complicated and it’s expensive.
Which means that it’s very important to maximize efficiency by unifying disparate and poorly integrated lab IT systems.
No matter what type of laboratory you work within or at what point your laboratory system may be in the laboratory lifecycle, these are likely some challenges you will face when integrating disparate lab technologies — as well as possible solutions.
The Challenges & Solutions
Most labs struggle with disparate and poorly integrated IT systems. Here are the primary challenges (and solutions).
Massive Amounts of Data
Arguably the biggest challenge faced by labs today is the sheer amount of data they deal with. With multiple applications across the enterprise generating reams of data that all sit in separate silos, aggregating, mining, and organizing data is a very real and complex problem.
This is especially true in larger laboratory environments. The laboratory IT system needs to be able to classify, catalog, and organize all samples, laboratory operations, patient encounters, test results, and laboratory business intelligence in a way that allows lab managers to have an accurate understanding of laboratory data.
The Solution
To manage vast amounts of data, labs should implement IT systems that…
Are scalable enough to support rapid growth of laboratory operations and data storage.
Support the automated importation, organization, and cataloging of laboratory information.
Provide laboratory staff with up-to-date laboratory information about their laboratory samples, laboratory operations, and other laboratory processes.
Integrate laboratory data into an electronic medical record (EMR).
Are able to process the laboratory information it receives rapidly and accurately.
Integration of LIMS with ERP
The secret behind any large-scale data-management process is integrating LIMS (laboratory information management systems) with ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems — this allows for faster data recording, fewer errors, and better turnaround time.
ERP laboratory information systems are typically designed to handle high volumes of laboratory data, laboratory samples, laboratory business intelligence, and laboratory financial data. Some LIMS may be able to integrate with your current ERP laboratory system.
If not, you will need an ERP laboratory information solution that can integrate seamlessly with your current laboratory IT systems. A tightly integrated laboratory IT solution will help you reduce laboratory errors, streamline laboratory operations, improve overall laboratory productivity, and increase laboratory profits.
The Solution
ERP laboratory information systems should be able to:
Integrate with your current laboratory IT system(s).
Provide real-time laboratory data alerts, if needed.
Interact with laboratory network infrastructure to store laboratory data.
Support high throughput laboratory information operations.
be scalable and flexible enough to accommodate future laboratory growth without adding significant cost or time to the implementation project.
Multiple EMR/EHR Screens
Many laboratory managers and operators find working within the confines of an EMR or EHR frustrating. Staff complains that they are forced to use their mobile devices to view lab results, alerts, and other laboratory information because they cannot access them via an EMR/EHR. This can be highly disruptive for laboratory staff who may need access to laboratory information while laboratory testing is being performed.
Many hospitals have as many as 20 to 25 EHR/EHR systems installed in their facilities.
Providers need to learn how to work on multiple EMR/EHRs… and that slows them down.
The Solution
Laboratory IT systems should be able to:
Integrate laboratory data from multiple EMR/EHR systems if you have more than one in place.
Avoid laboratory information “silos” by permitting laboratory staff to view laboratory results and other laboratory information anywhere, anytime.
Easily integrate laboratory data with mobile devices to ensure laboratory staff has laboratory information available when it is needed most.
Laboratory IT systems must be able to integrate laboratory results and other laboratory data with an EMR/EHR without causing the laboratory IT system to slow down or become unstable.
Restricted Lab Ordering
Many laboratory practitioners are not permitted to order laboratory tests themselves. They must work within certain prescribed parameters established by laboratory management.
The laboratory IT system should be capable of integrating with laboratory test ordering systems so laboratory staff can enter laboratory test requests and have them transmitted directly to an electronic lab testing system, outside laboratory, or laboratory satellite testing facility.
EHR vendors do not support all lab networks. They tie the provider into using a selected network of labs. This makes it difficult for the provider to place orders to ‘out-of-network’ labs. The lab order has to be placed manually and transferring the data becomes a big hassle.
The Solution
Laboratory IT systems should be capable of:
Integrating laboratory test requests with laboratory lab testing systems, outside laboratory testing facilities, and laboratory satellite locations.
Work within existing laboratory workflow processes.
Laboratory IT systems must allow laboratory staff members to enter and manage laboratory test orders without compromising the quality or availability of laboratory testing services.
Delayed Access to Information
It’s critical that all laboratory information – especially laboratory test results – be securely stored and easily accessible for laboratory staff, clinicians, and patients. This can be challenging due to the sheer volume of lab data that needs to be stored, the need for laboratory IT systems to interact with an EMR (if your laboratory operates across laboratory sites), or the need to integrate laboratory information with mobile devices for laboratory staff.
The Solution
Laboratory IT systems should be able to:
Integrate laboratory data into an EMR.
Provide laboratory staff with real-time patient/client information during sample collection (if laboratory staff is collecting patient samples).
Ensure laboratory data is protected behind laboratory firewalls.
Access laboratory data from standard lab computers, mobile devices, and via laboratory networks.
Integrate with your existing laboratory IT system (if you already have laboratory IT systems in place).
Allow laboratory staff to securely access laboratory information from anywhere via laboratory networks, mobile devices, and standard laboratory computers.
Laboratory IT systems should be capable of providing laboratory staff with the tools they need to improve their workflows without compromising patient data or laboratory security protocols.
Patient History Centralization
When patients move from one physician to another, the corresponding patient history also has to get transferred.
For instance, if a lab order is placed manually with a lab not supported by the EHR, this data can get missed. This can result in a messy situation that can be potentially dangerous for the patient.
At the same time, lab information must be always secure. You need laboratory IT systems that can integrate laboratory data security protocols with existing laboratory IT infrastructure. All laboratory IT systems should be HIPAA compliant to ensure they meet all laboratory data security requirements, no matter the size of your laboratory operations or where you are located.
The Solution
Laboratory IT systems should be capable of:
Integrating laboratory data security protocols with laboratory IT infrastructure.
Meeting laboratory data security requirements for all laboratory testing activities, including satellite laboratory operations.
Integrating laboratory information to comply with HIPAA regulations.
All laboratory IT systems must be capable of integrating laboratory information without compromising laboratory data security protocols.
Interfacing with Diverse Laboratory Instruments
The changing nature of laboratory work requires automated solutions with greater flexibility and interfacing capabilities. Better interfacing offers flexibility and the ability to rapidly configure multiple application-oriented tasks, which leads to increased productivity and data standardization in organizations.
Some laboratories may have decade-old instruments that require a different kind of interface. Delivering software solutions that are compatible with diverse laboratory systems is one of the major challenges providers face.
Laboratory IT systems should be capable of interfacing with laboratory instruments that are both old and new. Suppose laboratory management is considering replacing laboratory instruments. In that case, the laboratory IT system should have the capacity to communicate with these laboratory instruments, so laboratory data can be integrated into a comprehensive laboratory information system.
The Solution
The laboratory IT system should be capable of:
Scaling laboratory infrastructure to support laboratory information needs.
Integrating laboratory information with laboratory instruments and laboratory IT infrastructure.
Meeting laboratory information security protocols.
The laboratory IT system should be capable of integrating laboratory data from both old and new laboratory instruments. If your laboratory management is considering replacing laboratory instruments, the laboratory IT system must be capable of communicating with these laboratory instruments.
Final Thoughts on Unifying Disparate Laboratory IT Systems
Labs deal with massive amounts of data.
Organizing and managing all of that data shouldn’t be the job of humans sitting in front of computer screens, but software that’s designed to make your lab IT systems operate as efficiently as possible.
That means software that’s well-unified and integrated.
You can reference the above challenges and solutions when you're working to create better IT systems inside your own lab.
How To Unify Disparate & Poorly Integrated Laboratory IT Systems
How To Unify Disparate & Poorly Integrated Laboratory IT Systems
The global laboratory information management systems market is expected to reach 2.4 billion USD by 2030, up from 825 million USD in 2019. That’s a lot of growth.
To manage that demand, labs spend a lot of money every year on laboratory informatics technology — including lab information systems, network infrastructure, or other IT-related expenses such as licensing and computer hardware.
It’s complicated and it’s expensive.
Which means that it’s very important to maximize efficiency by unifying disparate and poorly integrated lab IT systems.
No matter what type of laboratory you work within or at what point your laboratory system may be in the laboratory lifecycle, these are likely some challenges you will face when integrating disparate lab technologies — as well as possible solutions.
The Challenges & Solutions
Most labs struggle with disparate and poorly integrated IT systems. Here are the primary challenges (and solutions).
Massive Amounts of Data
Arguably the biggest challenge faced by labs today is the sheer amount of data they deal with. With multiple applications across the enterprise generating reams of data that all sit in separate silos, aggregating, mining, and organizing data is a very real and complex problem.
This is especially true in larger laboratory environments. The laboratory IT system needs to be able to classify, catalog, and organize all samples, laboratory operations, patient encounters, test results, and laboratory business intelligence in a way that allows lab managers to have an accurate understanding of laboratory data.
The Solution
To manage vast amounts of data, labs should implement IT systems that…
Are scalable enough to support rapid growth of laboratory operations and data storage.
Support the automated importation, organization, and cataloging of laboratory information.
Provide laboratory staff with up-to-date laboratory information about their laboratory samples, laboratory operations, and other laboratory processes.
Integrate laboratory data into an electronic medical record (EMR).
Are able to process the laboratory information it receives rapidly and accurately.
Integration of LIMS with ERP
The secret behind any large-scale data-management process is integrating LIMS (laboratory information management systems) with ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems — this allows for faster data recording, fewer errors, and better turnaround time.
ERP laboratory information systems are typically designed to handle high volumes of laboratory data, laboratory samples, laboratory business intelligence, and laboratory financial data. Some LIMS may be able to integrate with your current ERP laboratory system.
If not, you will need an ERP laboratory information solution that can integrate seamlessly with your current laboratory IT systems. A tightly integrated laboratory IT solution will help you reduce laboratory errors, streamline laboratory operations, improve overall laboratory productivity, and increase laboratory profits.
The Solution
ERP laboratory information systems should be able to:
Integrate with your current laboratory IT system(s).
Provide real-time laboratory data alerts, if needed.
Interact with laboratory network infrastructure to store laboratory data.
Support high throughput laboratory information operations.
be scalable and flexible enough to accommodate future laboratory growth without adding significant cost or time to the implementation project.
Multiple EMR/EHR Screens
Many laboratory managers and operators find working within the confines of an EMR or EHR frustrating. Staff complains that they are forced to use their mobile devices to view lab results, alerts, and other laboratory information because they cannot access them via an EMR/EHR. This can be highly disruptive for laboratory staff who may need access to laboratory information while laboratory testing is being performed.
Many hospitals have as many as 20 to 25 EHR/EHR systems installed in their facilities.
Providers need to learn how to work on multiple EMR/EHRs… and that slows them down.
The Solution
Laboratory IT systems should be able to:
Integrate laboratory data from multiple EMR/EHR systems if you have more than one in place.
Avoid laboratory information “silos” by permitting laboratory staff to view laboratory results and other laboratory information anywhere, anytime.
Easily integrate laboratory data with mobile devices to ensure laboratory staff has laboratory information available when it is needed most.
Laboratory IT systems must be able to integrate laboratory results and other laboratory data with an EMR/EHR without causing the laboratory IT system to slow down or become unstable.
Restricted Lab Ordering
Many laboratory practitioners are not permitted to order laboratory tests themselves. They must work within certain prescribed parameters established by laboratory management.
The laboratory IT system should be capable of integrating with laboratory test ordering systems so laboratory staff can enter laboratory test requests and have them transmitted directly to an electronic lab testing system, outside laboratory, or laboratory satellite testing facility.
EHR vendors do not support all lab networks. They tie the provider into using a selected network of labs. This makes it difficult for the provider to place orders to ‘out-of-network’ labs. The lab order has to be placed manually and transferring the data becomes a big hassle.
The Solution
Laboratory IT systems should be capable of:
Integrating laboratory test requests with laboratory lab testing systems, outside laboratory testing facilities, and laboratory satellite locations.
Work within existing laboratory workflow processes.
Laboratory IT systems must allow laboratory staff members to enter and manage laboratory test orders without compromising the quality or availability of laboratory testing services.
Delayed Access to Information
It’s critical that all laboratory information – especially laboratory test results – be securely stored and easily accessible for laboratory staff, clinicians, and patients. This can be challenging due to the sheer volume of lab data that needs to be stored, the need for laboratory IT systems to interact with an EMR (if your laboratory operates across laboratory sites), or the need to integrate laboratory information with mobile devices for laboratory staff.
The Solution
Laboratory IT systems should be able to:
Integrate laboratory data into an EMR.
Provide laboratory staff with real-time patient/client information during sample collection (if laboratory staff is collecting patient samples).
Ensure laboratory data is protected behind laboratory firewalls.
Access laboratory data from standard lab computers, mobile devices, and via laboratory networks.
Integrate with your existing laboratory IT system (if you already have laboratory IT systems in place).
Allow laboratory staff to securely access laboratory information from anywhere via laboratory networks, mobile devices, and standard laboratory computers.
Laboratory IT systems should be capable of providing laboratory staff with the tools they need to improve their workflows without compromising patient data or laboratory security protocols.
Patient History Centralization
When patients move from one physician to another, the corresponding patient history also has to get transferred.
For instance, if a lab order is placed manually with a lab not supported by the EHR, this data can get missed. This can result in a messy situation that can be potentially dangerous for the patient.
At the same time, lab information must be always secure. You need laboratory IT systems that can integrate laboratory data security protocols with existing laboratory IT infrastructure. All laboratory IT systems should be HIPAA compliant to ensure they meet all laboratory data security requirements, no matter the size of your laboratory operations or where you are located.
The Solution
Laboratory IT systems should be capable of:
Integrating laboratory data security protocols with laboratory IT infrastructure.
Meeting laboratory data security requirements for all laboratory testing activities, including satellite laboratory operations.
Integrating laboratory information to comply with HIPAA regulations.
All laboratory IT systems must be capable of integrating laboratory information without compromising laboratory data security protocols.
Interfacing with Diverse Laboratory Instruments
The changing nature of laboratory work requires automated solutions with greater flexibility and interfacing capabilities. Better interfacing offers flexibility and the ability to rapidly configure multiple application-oriented tasks, which leads to increased productivity and data standardization in organizations.
Some laboratories may have decade-old instruments that require a different kind of interface. Delivering software solutions that are compatible with diverse laboratory systems is one of the major challenges providers face.
Laboratory IT systems should be capable of interfacing with laboratory instruments that are both old and new. Suppose laboratory management is considering replacing laboratory instruments. In that case, the laboratory IT system should have the capacity to communicate with these laboratory instruments, so laboratory data can be integrated into a comprehensive laboratory information system.
The Solution
The laboratory IT system should be capable of:
Scaling laboratory infrastructure to support laboratory information needs.
Integrating laboratory information with laboratory instruments and laboratory IT infrastructure.
Meeting laboratory information security protocols.
The laboratory IT system should be capable of integrating laboratory data from both old and new laboratory instruments. If your laboratory management is considering replacing laboratory instruments, the laboratory IT system must be capable of communicating with these laboratory instruments.
Final Thoughts on Unifying Disparate Laboratory IT Systems
Labs deal with massive amounts of data.
Organizing and managing all of that data shouldn’t be the job of humans sitting in front of computer screens, but software that’s designed to make your lab IT systems operate as efficiently as possible.
That means software that’s well-unified and integrated.
You can reference the above challenges and solutions when you're working to create better IT systems inside your own lab.