What is LIS?
A Laboratory Information System (LIS) is a clinical software system focused on managing patient data, test results, and laboratory workflows in medical diagnostic labs. It is tailored for healthcare settings, enabling labs to deliver faster, more accurate services to patients and doctors.
Key Capabilities of an LIS
Patient Registration
Work Order Management & Sample Collection
Result Entry & Validation
Automatic Report Generation
Doctor/Technician Portal Access for Viewing Reports
How a Small Lab Uses LIS
Samhta lab in Tripura and Om Diagnostic in Bihar, a small diagnostic setup with 1 pathologist and 2 lab technicians, serves around 60–80 patients per day. Before using an LIS (Laboratory Information System), the lab relied on handwritten registers, manual report entry in Word files, and verbal communication for report delivery, leading to errors, delays, and patient dissatisfaction.
After implementing TestPro 360 LIS, the clinic transformed its operations:
Daily Workflow with LIS
Step 1: Patient Registration
Receptionist quickly registers the patient in the LIS with demographics and test selection. ABHA linking is done if needed.
Step 2: Sample Collection
Phlebotomist collects samples and uses barcoded labels generated by the system to avoid mix-ups.
Step 3: Test Processing
Lab technician enters results directly into the LIS (or imports from integrated analyzers).
Step 4: Result Approval
Pathologist verifies and signs reports digitally.
Step 5: Report Delivery
Reports are sent instantly via SMS, Email, or WhatsApp. Doctors can also access reports from their portal.
Step 6: Billing & Discounts
System handles payments and applies any discounts; invoices are auto-generated with GST.
Benefits Experienced
Reduced manual errors and faster report turnaround time
Better doctor communication with instant access to lab results
Improved patient satisfaction with timely digital reports
Audit-ready records for compliance or NABL inspection
Who Uses LIS?
Pathology labs
Hospital diagnostic departments
Diagnostic chains and franchises
Clinics with in-house labs
| Feature | LIS | LIMS |
| Focus | Patient test workflows | Full lab process management |
| Best For | Clinical/pathology labs | Clinical, research, water/food labs |
| Example | Test entry & report printing | End-to-end lab workflow automation |
Small labs need software, especially a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), to improve efficiency, reduce manual errors, and provide better service to patients and doctors. Even with limited staff and sample volume, software helps in managing day-to-day operations more smoothly.
Reason | Explanation |
1. Accurate Data Entry | Reduces human errors in patient details, test selection, and results entry. |
2. Faster Reporting | Generates reports automatically with templates and sends via SMS/Email/WhatsApp. |
3. Better Sample Tracking | Tracks every sample from collection to result, reducing mix-ups and delays. |
4. Easy Billing & Discount Management | Manages payments, discounts, and generates tax-compliant invoices (GST-ready). |
5. Efficient Workflow | Helps staff follow step-by-step processes — registration, sample collection, testing, approval, and delivery. |
6. Report Storage & Retrieval | Stores all reports securely in digital format for future reference. |
7. Professional Look | Printed or digital reports with the lab logo and doctor signature improve trust and brand image. |
8. Compliance | Supports ABHA/NDHM integration and maintains audit trails for regulatory needs. |
9. Time & Cost Savings | Reduces manual paperwork, errors, and rework — saving staff time and improving productivity. |
10. Scalability | Helps small labs grow into multi-location labs or collection centre networks without needing a complete system change. |
