Lab Informatics Glossary

Clear definitions of laboratory information systems terminology. Understand LIMS, LIS, HL7, FHIR, and other key concepts explained by lab informatics experts.

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Gravity Diagnostics
Women's Care
Delfi Diagnostics
Avero Diagnostics
Sonora Quest Laboratories
C2N Diagnostics
Northwest Laboratory
Christus Health

Lab informatics refers to the application of information technology and data management systems to laboratory operations. This includes software like LIMS and LIS, integration standards like HL7 and FHIR, and regulatory frameworks like CLIA that govern laboratory quality.

Browse our glossary below to learn key lab informatics terminology.

Browse Terms (28)

What Is LIMS?Complete LIMS Guide

Comprehensive guide to Laboratory Information Management Systems - features, benefits, implementation

What Is LIS?Complete LIS Guide

Everything clinical labs need to know about Laboratory Information Systems

LIMSLaboratory Information Management System

Software that manages samples, data, and laboratory workflows

LISLaboratory Information System

Clinical lab software focused on patient data and test results

HL7Health Level Seven

International standards for healthcare data exchange between systems

FHIRFast Healthcare Interoperability Resources

Modern healthcare API standard using REST and JSON/XML

TATTurnaround Time

Time from specimen collection to result reporting

MiddlewareLaboratory Middleware

Software that bridges instruments and LIS/LIMS for auto-verification

CLIAClinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments

U.S. federal regulations for laboratory quality standards

CAPCollege of American Pathologists

Gold standard accreditation program for clinical laboratories

AccessioningSpecimen Accessioning

Process of receiving, logging, and preparing specimens for testing

Accession NumberSample Unique Identifier

Unique identifier assigned to each sample for tracking and traceability

Specimen TrackingSample Chain of Custody

Monitoring samples throughout the laboratory workflow

Lab AutomationLaboratory Automation

Technology to perform lab tasks with minimal human intervention

Result InterfaceLaboratory Result Interface

Connection that transmits test results to external systems

Instrument InterfaceAnalyzer Integration

Connection between lab instruments and LIMS for automated data transfer

Lab AnalyticsLaboratory Analytics

Data analysis for operational, quality, and business insights

EMR IntegrationElectronic Medical Record Integration

Connecting labs to EHR/EMR for orders and results

Regulatory ComplianceLaboratory Regulatory Compliance

Meeting CLIA, CAP, state, and federal quality standards

CAPACorrective and Preventive Action

Systematic approach to identify, investigate, and resolve quality issues

Deviation ManagementQuality Deviation Handling

Process for documenting and resolving departures from standard procedures

IQ/OQ/PQInstallation, Operational, Performance Qualification

Three-stage validation protocol for equipment and systems

ALCOA+Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate

Framework for ensuring data integrity in regulated environments

Data IntegrityLaboratory Data Integrity

Ensuring accuracy, completeness, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle

Batch ProcessingLaboratory Batch Workflow

Grouping samples for simultaneous processing to improve efficiency

COACertificate of Analysis

Official document certifying sample quality and test results

Proficiency TestingExternal Quality Assessment

Program evaluating laboratory accuracy against peer laboratories

Westgard RulesMulti-Rule Quality Control

Statistical rules for detecting analytical errors in QC

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