Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) play a critical role in managing test orders, specimen tracking, and results reporting. However, when LIS platforms are isolated from other clinical systems, the risk of errors increases. Integration between LIS, EHRs, and billing platforms helps eliminate duplicate data entry, lost orders, and misrouted results—ultimately improving patient safety and laboratory efficiency.
Where errors typically occur
Common error points in laboratory workflows include:
– Manual re-entry of orders into multiple systems
– Mislabeling specimens due to disconnected workflows
– Delayed results delivery to the referring provider
– Incorrect patient matches when systems don’t share identifiers
How LIS integration prevents mistakes
By connecting LIS with EHRs and other healthcare applications, data can move seamlessly through the entire order-to-result cycle. Integration ensures that orders placed in the EHR automatically flow to the LIS, while completed results return directly to the patient’s chart. This reduces reliance on manual processes and significantly lowers the chance of transcription or routing errors.
Additional benefits include:
– Real-time status updates on specimen processing
– Automatic flagging of abnormal results
– Improved compliance with CLIA and CAP standards
Why integration matters for patient safety
For clinicians, even a small error in lab reporting can lead to incorrect treatment decisions. For patients, delays or inaccuracies create unnecessary anxiety and risk. LIS integration strengthens the reliability of laboratory data and helps ensure that every result reaches the right provider at the right time.
Healthcare Integrations specializes in building secure and scalable LIS integration solutions. Our team helps laboratories and hospitals reduce errors, improve reporting speed, and support high-quality patient care. Contact us to get started with your LIS integration strategy.
