10 Benefits of Using a Lab Information System / LIMS Software.
Laboratories have come a long way from being tucked away in a corner of a hospital or being dependent on a couple of practitioners for their survival. Labs are now considered to be centers of excellence and one of the highest sources of revenue.
With the emergence of evidence-based medicine, the importance of accurate diagnostic results in inpatient care is critical resulting in increased pressure on labs to perform efficiently.
It is a well-known fact that replacing human tasks with technology improves performance significantly, especially in the area of healthcare, and is responsible for the fast gaining popularity of Lab Information Systems (LIS).
Here we look at the top 10 benefits of a Lab Information System:
1. Track samples in real-time
The Sample Workflow Manager in Lab Information Systems (LIS) automates the sample handling process as soon as the sample is collected and bar-coded, allowing the technician to track samples in real-time.
2. Save time
One of the most time-consuming process is the sample transfer that involves registering the samples to be sent out from the collection center and re-registering them after receipt at the processing center. A strong Lab Information System will have a unique batch sheet-based sample tracking model, wherein a single bar code is assigned to an entire batch of samples being transferred to the processing center.
3. Focus on critical reports
Pathologists and doctors approving reports can save significant time with a unique auto-authorization feature that automatically approves reports with normal values. Only reports that have abnormal values are sent for the doctor’s authorization saving significant workload and time.
4. Manage logistics efficiently
The efficient logistics management solution in LIS assigns unique barcodes to each sample and notifies the processing centers as soon as the samples are registered at the collection center, making it possible to allocate resources, reagents and material even before the samples reach the processing center.
5. Eliminate human error
Labs can exponentially improve efficiency by integrating lab equipment and devices on a single secure platform. This allows data to automatically transfer from the device to the Lab Information System, eliminating laborious manual effort, saving time, and reducing human error.
6. Save lives
Every minute is precious when it comes to handling test reports indicating values that pose a threat to a patient’s life. A good LIS includes a unique panic alert solution that allows the system to send an automated alert to the referring physician. This allows the doctor to take action on their critical patients immediately, serving as a lifesaving function.
7. Increase revenue
Powerful MIS dashboards make financial, operational, inventory, test, and lab-based reports available in custom formats. An effective lab information system helps lab owners mine data, crunch numbers, create trends and projections to track metrics, and maximize revenues.
8. End pilferage and unnecessary
Spending Advanced inventory module can help automate purchases through predictive reordering and expiration alerts. This will help end pilferages, eliminate wastage and cut unnecessary costs.
9. Scale business quickly
Growing lab business becomes simple with Lab Information Systems (LIS). With Cloud-based LIS, opening collection and processing centers becomes easy, taking only a few hours when the master data is available. Lab owners can manage all the centers on a single, secure platform while they function independently.
Be it error-free reports, speedy results, better lab management and utility of consumables, the benefits of a lab information system cannot be overemphasized. Embrace LIS to expand your business, process more samples, and increase your revenues dramatically.
10. Real Patient Feedback
Patient feedback can be done to make your business more accurate and data can be managed to know where you can improve for your growth.