What is LIS? Laboratory Information System Complete Guide
Understanding clinical laboratory software: features, workflows, compliance, and implementation
Quick Definition
LIS (Laboratory Information System) is healthcare software that manages patient test orders, sample processing, result reporting, and billing in clinical laboratories. It connects physicians, labs, and patients—ensuring accurate results reach the right people at the right time while maintaining HIPAA compliance.
LIS Definition & Purpose
A Laboratory Information System (LIS) is specialized software for clinical and hospital laboratories. Unlike general laboratory software, LIS is designed around the patient—every function connects back to managing patient test orders and delivering accurate results to healthcare providers.
LIS serves as the central hub in clinical laboratory operations, connecting ordering physicians (via EMR/EHR), laboratory staff, billing departments, and ultimately patients. It manages the complete lifecycle of a clinical test from order to result delivery.
In the healthcare ecosystem, LIS bridges the gap between clinical decision-making and laboratory execution. When a physician orders a lab test, that order flows through the LIS. When results are ready, the LIS ensures they reach the ordering provider—and flags critical results that need immediate attention.
Core LIS Functions
Order Management
Electronic order entry, requisition processing, order sets for common panels, and order tracking. Interfaces with EMR for seamless order flow.
Specimen Processing
Accessioning (specimen check-in), barcode labeling, specimen tracking, and routing to appropriate analyzers or departments.
Result Entry & Validation
Manual and auto-verification of results. Includes delta checks (comparing to previous values), reference range flagging, and critical value alerts.
Result Reporting
Delivery of results to EMR/EHR, patient portals, fax, or print. Supports cumulative patient reports and interpretive comments.
Billing Integration
CPT code assignment, claim generation, and integration with billing systems. Ensures proper charge capture for revenue cycle.
Quality Management
QC sample tracking, proficiency testing documentation, Levey-Jennings charts, and out-of-control handling.
Compliance
CLIA, CAP, and HIPAA compliance features including comprehensive audit trails, electronic signatures, and access controls.
Who Uses LIS?
Inpatient and outpatient testing
High-volume commercial testing
Point-of-care and send-out tests
CLIA-waived testing
Anatomic and clinical pathology
Transfusion medicine
LIS Workflow
Physician orders test (via EMR or paper requisition)
Patient specimen collected
Specimen accessioned in LIS (check-in, labeling)
Sample analyzed on instruments
Results entered or interfaced automatically
Results validated (tech review, pathologist sign-off)
Results released to EMR/physician
Billing generated and submitted
Benefits of LIS
LIS vs LIMS
The key difference: LIS is patient-centric (designed for clinical labs managing patient results), while LIMS is sample-centric (designed for research and testing labs tracking samples through workflows).
Read our detailed LIMS vs LIS comparisonLIS Integration Points
Top LIS Vendors
How Gistia Can Help
We help clinical labs with LIS consulting, implementation support, and integration expertise. Whether you're selecting a new LIS or optimizing your current system, our team can guide you.
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