What is LIMS integration?

LIMS integration connects your LIMS to other systems—instruments, EMR/EHR, billing systems, and more. Good integration eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors, and creates seamless data flow across your lab operations.

How long does LIMS integration take?

Timeframes vary by integration type: Instrument interfaces typically take 2-4 weeks each. EMR/EHR integration takes 1-3+ months. Billing system integration varies by complexity. Plan for testing to take as long as development.

What is HL7 integration?

HL7 (Health Level Seven) is the standard protocol for healthcare data exchange. HL7 v2.x uses message-based communication (ORM for orders, ORU for results). FHIR is the newer REST-based API standard. Most LIS and EMR integrations use HL7.

How do I integrate LIMS with instruments?

Instrument integration typically uses ASTM/LIS2-A2 protocols. Options: direct interface drivers, middleware (integration engine), or file-based parsing. Bidirectional interfaces send worklists to instruments and receive results automatically.

Can LIMS integrate with Epic?

Yes, LIMS can integrate with Epic using HL7 v2.x or FHIR interfaces. Epic has specific requirements and certification processes. Integration complexity depends on data scope (orders, results, demographics) and whether you use middleware.

What is bidirectional interface?

A bidirectional interface allows two-way communication. For instruments: LIMS sends worklists/sample info to the analyzer, and the analyzer sends results back to LIMS. This eliminates manual data entry in both directions.

Do I need an integration engine?

For 1-2 integrations, point-to-point connections work. For complex environments with many integrations, an integration engine (Mirth Connect, Rhapsody, etc.) provides central management, easier maintenance, and better scalability.

How much does LIMS integration cost?

Costs vary significantly: Simple instrument interface: $5K-$20K. Complex EMR integration: $50K-$200K+. Integration engine setup: $25K-$100K+. Plan for ongoing maintenance costs of 15-20% annually for support and updates.

15 min readUpdated Jan 2026

LIMS Integration Guide: Connecting Your Lab Systems

Your LIMS is only as good as its connections. Here's how to integrate without the integration nightmares.

LIMS integration means connecting your LIMS to other systems—instruments, EMR/EHR, billing, and more. Good integration eliminates manual data entry and reduces errors. Bad integration creates new problems. This guide helps you get it right.

Why Integration Matters

1-3%

Manual transcription error rate

<0.1%

Integrated data capture error rate

Every manual data entry is an error opportunity
Disconnected systems mean duplicate work
Real-time data beats batched data
Compliance requires audit trails that cross systems

Types of LIMS Integrations

Instrument Interfaces

Connecting analyzers to LIMS via bidirectional interfaces. Standards: ASTM, LIS2-A2. Typically 2-4 weeks per instrument. Usually the highest-value integration.

What we've seen: Labs often underestimate how many instruments need interfaces. Do inventory first.

EMR/EHR Integration

Connecting to hospital systems using HL7 v2.x or FHIR. Bidirectional order and result flow. Typically 1-3+ months.

What we've seen: EMR integration is harder than vendors suggest. Patient demographic data is often inconsistent.

Billing System Integration

Sending charges and receiving payment info. Revenue flows through here—get it right. Complexity depends on billing system.

What we've seen: Test thoroughly. Billing errors are expensive and hard to fix retroactively.

Integration Standards Explained

Standard	Use Case	Notes
HL7 v2.x	EMR/EHR, LIS	Most widely used in healthcare. Message-based.
FHIR	Modern APIs	REST-based, growing adoption. Better interoperability.
ASTM/LIS2-A2	Instruments	Standard for lab analyzers. Well-established.
Custom APIs	When standards don't fit	More flexible but more maintenance.

Integration Pitfalls to Avoid

Assuming data will be clean—it won't be

Underestimating testing time—plan for 2x what you expect

Forgetting edge cases—cancelled orders, corrections, reruns

Inadequate error handling—what happens when integration fails?

No monitoring—failures should alert someone

Skipping UAT—users find problems developers miss

How Gistia Approaches Integration

We start with workflow requirements, not technology. We coordinate between your existing systems, build for maintainability, and plan for what happens when things fail.

Need help connecting your lab systems?

LIMS Integration Guide: Connecting Your Lab Systems

Why Integration Matters

Types of LIMS Integrations

Instrument Interfaces

EMR/EHR Integration

Billing System Integration

Integration Standards Explained

Integration Pitfalls to Avoid

How Gistia Approaches Integration

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

LIMS Implementation Guide

Lab Automation Guide

What Is LIMS?

Instrument Interface

EMR Integration

LIMS Integration Services