Laboratory Information System (LIS)
Smarter Software for Patient-Centric Labs
A Laboratory Information System (LIS) is the digital backbone of every modern clinical lab capturing patient data, managing test orders, and delivering accurate results faster.
What is a laboratory information system (LIS)?
- Captures patient and specimen information the moment an order is placed
- Coordinates testing workflows across departments, instruments, and staff
- Communicates verified results back to physicians, EHRs, and care teams
When integrated correctly with an Electronic Health Record (EHR), the LIS becomes a critical link between the laboratory bench and the point of care turning raw test data into actionable clinical insight.
“A great LIS doesn’t just store data it protects the chain of custody between a patient sample and a clinical decision.”
How does LIS software work?
LIS software manages the full lifecycle of a laboratory test long before a sample reaches an analyzer and long after a result is signed off.
The process begins with patient registration and physician order entry, where the LIS captures patient demographics, insurance information, clinical history, and requested laboratory tests in a centralized database. Each specimen is then assigned a unique barcode, enabling real-time tracking throughout the testing process and significantly reducing the risk of mislabeling or lost samples. By serving as one of the core laboratory information systems, the LIS provides complete visibility into specimen status while ensuring accurate data management across every stage of testing.
LIS software system also interfaces directly with laboratory analyzers, automatically sending test orders to the appropriate instruments and importing results without manual data entry. Built-in quality control rules validate results, flag abnormal values, and support auto-verification to improve efficiency while maintaining regulatory compliance. Once results are verified, the LIS securely delivers them to the organization’s EHR and practice management system, ensuring physicians receive timely, accurate, and actionable patient information. This seamless integration helps reduce turnaround times, improve clinical decision-making, and enhance patient care.
LIS and LIMS: What is the difference?
Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) are often used interchangeably because both manage laboratory data and workflows. They were developed to address different operational needs. A LIS is primarily designed for clinical laboratories, hospitals, and diagnostic facilities, where the focus is on patient-specific testing, physician orders, specimen management, and accurate diagnostic reporting.
A LIMS was originally created to support sample-centric workflows in research, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, environmental, and industrial laboratories. While LIMS emphasizes sample tracking, research data, quality control, and laboratory processes, today’s technology has significantly narrowed the gap between LIS and LIMS. Many modern platforms combine the strengths of both systems, enabling laboratories to manage patient-centric and sample-centric workflows within a single, integrated solution.
Why laboratories need a dedicated LIS system
Running a laboratory without dedicated LIS software means relying on manual processes that are slow, error-prone, and difficult to scale. A purpose-built LIS solves this by giving labs structure, speed, and control.
Streamlined Workflow Efficiency
Coordinate specimen collection, instrument processing, and result delivery from one connected platform cutting down turnaround time across every department.
Fewer Transcription Errors
Automated interfacing between instruments and the LIS system eliminates manual data entry, one of the leading causes of laboratory errors.
Simplified Compliance & Billing
Built-in audit trails and coding support help labs stay aligned with healthcare regulations while reducing the administrative burden on billing teams.
Core Benefits of a Modern Laboratory Information System
A powerful LIS is not just a data repository it is a strategic clinical asset that directly impacts patient safety, laboratory efficiency, and organizational profitability.
Meet Quality Control Standards Consistently
Modern LIS software embeds Westgard rules, delta checking, and inter-laboratory comparison protocols directly into the result workflow. Every data point is automatically evaluated before reaching the reporting stage ensuring your lab meets CAP, CLIA, and accreditation body requirements without manual intervention, and producing an audit-ready quality record at all times.
Dramatically Decrease Transcription Errors
Manual transcription between systems is one of the leading sources of laboratory error. A dedicated LIS eliminates the need to re-enter data at every handoff from order entry to analyzer interface to EHR creating a fully automated, error-resistant information chain that protects patients and reduces liability.
Streamline & Accelerate Laboratory Workflows
Configurable workflow automation allows your LIS software to route orders intelligently, prioritize STAT specimens, manage reflexive testing protocols, and alert staff to bottlenecks in real time. The result: higher volumes processed with the same or fewer staff without sacrificing accuracy or compliance.
Elevate Patient Care & Clinical Outcomes
When test results are accurate, faster, and paired with intelligent clinical decision support, providers diagnose sooner and treat more effectively. A patient-centric Laboratory Information System bridges the gap between the lab and the bedside empowering clinicians with the right data at the right moment to improve outcomes across hematology, microbiology, chemistry, immunology, and beyond.
Why choose Prolis as your LIS?
Advances in laboratory technology and automation have significantly increased the demand for reliable laboratory data to support clinical diagnostics, microbiology, pathology, and public health services. Prolis delivers a modern, scalable Laboratory Information System (LIS) that streamlines laboratory workflows, enhances data accuracy, and improves operational efficiency. Available as both cloud-based and on-premise solutions, the highly configurable Prolis LIS software adapts to the unique needs of laboratories, empowering organizations to optimize performance, maintain regulatory compliance, and deliver faster, more accurate patient results.
Proven Laboratory Expertise
Decades of experience supporting clinical, hospital, toxicology, anatomic pathology, independent reference laboratories of every size and specialty.
Configurable, Scalable Architecture
Our LIS software adapts to your lab's workflow not the other way around with configurable rules, interfaces, and reporting.
Seamless Interoperability
Purpose-built interfaces connect your LIS system to EHRs, analyzers, billing platforms, and reference labs without friction.
Dedicated Support & Training
From implementation to go-live and beyond, our team partners with your lab at every step.
