Laboratory Information System (LIS)

LIS is the sum of … hardware, software, people, procedures and data

Role of LIS To manage Data Work flow Changing business needs/processes Existing systems and improving where required Resources QA/QC

Why have a LIS? Improve data management in lab to increase lab potential Enable centralization of information Support and enhance business processes of the lab Take advantage of new lab information technology Provide easy access to data

Enterprise LIS Specimen Tracking Patient Tracking

Specimen tracking Track specimens from receipt, processing, testing, reporting to storage Electronically capture results from lab diagnostic equipment and store with specimen details Protocols and algorithms for testing and final result determination

Patient Tracking Patient focus Enable determination of patient outcomes Integrate patient and specimen information Support patient management and care/treatment

Possible Solutions LITS Plus Epi Info 2002 ASTRO MS Access Visual Basic SAS (statistical/analytical software)

Solutions detailed LITS Plus – CDC developed tool for building applications to support lab processes – recommended for public health/reference labs Epi Info – CDC developed tool usable for building applications to for labs – recommended for small clinical labs MS Access – commercially available tool Solutions may be standardized way of addressing issues or catered to a country’s specific needs

LIS decision Type of lab Volume of specimens Types and number of tests Reference/research/public health Clinical Hybrid Volume of specimens Types and number of tests Size of staff/users Existing system Determine which areas will be affected Requirements and expectations Avoid ‘culture shock’ Need to make a wish list – prioritize Technology should not cause harm

Keep in mind … Implementation of LIS requires close collaboration between lab and informatics LIS needs to be a priority for both groups Re-thinking of lab operations may be required Staff required to build and support Development of standards

Examples

Data: Raw elements, or single facts, that by themselves have no meaning, but when organized and evaluated together have the potential to reveal information. Information: Data that have been processed, sorted, and presented in such a manner that it increases the knowledge of the user.

Information Systems: A collection of interlinked and dependent parts that are organized to collect and input data, process the data into information, output the information to users, and provide feedback to the system with the goal of meeting the complete informational needs of the organization.

Computer-Based Information System (CBIS): An information system that uses the components and technology of computers.

Computer Hardware: The physical (i. e Computer Hardware: The physical (i.e. plastic and wire) parts of a computer. Input Devices: Mechanisms whereby the computer receives data; these include keyboards, bar-code readers, computer links, and data converters.

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The electronic portion of a computer; includes the controlling unit and the quantitative analysis and data processing unit (i.e., arithmetic logic unit). Output Devices: Mechanisms such as printers and monitors that allow the computer to disseminate information and communicate with its users.

Main memory: The primary storage space inside the CPU designed for holding data and instructions while they are actively processed. Peripheral Storage Devices: The secondary, or remote, storage devices such as floppy disks, used to store data not being actively processed by the CPU.

Read-Only Memory (ROM): Part of the memory that is permanently protected from being modified, erased, or written over. Random-Access Memory (RAM): Part of the memory (main and peripheral) that is not protected from alteration.

Database: In general, refers to all the data stored in both the main memory and peripheral storage devices; in particular, refers to a specific collection of related computer files.

Hard Disk: A disk stored inside the CPU; consists of a magnetic-coated metal plate used for the main operating programs of the computer. Floppy Disk: A removable flexible plastic disk with a magnetic coating, used to store information external to the CPU; also known as a diskette.

Disk Drive: The mechanical machinery and electronic unit that allows data and information to be extracted on disks by the computer; may contain either a magnetic scanner or a laser reader.

Software: The instructions (i. e Software: The instructions (i.e. program) given to the computer to perform its tasks. Applications Software: Programs designed to meet specific needs of the users, such as word processing, payroll, or blood bank inventory management

Systems Software: Programs designed to control and run the operating systems of the computer including communications, application software, and database management.

Machine Language: The binary-coded language used directly by the computer. Programming Language: A language used to write software by the computer; allows the program to be written in English-like symbols using rules that are more easily understood by human beings than is machine language.

Bytes: The storage units of a computer, comparable to words in a human language. Bits: Subunits of bytes, comparable to letters in an alphabetic human language; represent one position on a computer chip or a single digit in machine language.

Local-Area Network (LAN): A computer network that connects computers and their equipment in a confined area, usually a building or a place in which the users are in close geographical proximity to each other (e.g., a multifacility medical center complex).

Wide-Area Network (WAN): A computer network that connects computers and their equipment over a large, disbursed geographical area such as a state, nation, or the whole world, usually through the facilities of common carriers, such as telephone lines or satellite channels.

Host-Based Laboratory Information System: A local-area network interfaced with a central controlling CPU whose program determines how data are received, processed, and disseminated.

Client-Server Laboratory Information System: An open system that allows users to tap into the LIS with their independent computer systems, extract only the information they want, and present it in the format they wish on their own computer screen or printer.

Laboratory Information System: A complete network of computer components designed to incorporate all aspects of the informational needs of the laboratory and its customers from the intake of requests for services and the processing of work flow to the delivery of results.

Systems Analysis and Design: The formal process of studying a problem and creating a solution.