The medical world is full of different kinds of software. It is used in every step from making appointments to creating a diagnosis. One of these is the clinical laboratory software, a tool that supports laboratory activities and performs various functions, ranging from the reporting of results to automating laboratory processes. However, medical facilities can’t just install any clinical laboratory software into their system. They need to find specialized clinical laboratory software that fits their needs. That way they will make sure everyone benefits from the improved efficiency and productivity.
What is clinical laboratory software?
A clinical laboratory software helps medical clinics and labs manage their operations and generate accurate test results. It provides a system for coordinating laboratory testing equipment, samples, and data to ensure the accuracy, quality, and integrity of the instruments and test results. This software enables laboratories to meet the requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and other regulations. It also provides tools for managing orders, inventory, logistics, and staff schedules.
Types of Clinical Laboratory Software
Having an idea of what types of laboratory software there are is a good start, but medical facilities should also learn more about specific features included in each type. This article will provide information about the different types of clinical laboratory software and their main features.
Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
An electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) is a digital, cloud-based laboratory software for storing and retrieving scientific data. This software replaces traditional paper notebooks and offers a better overview of data, where different users can search, share, collaborate, and organize. It is also more secure than paper notebooks, taking up less space than its physical counterpart.
Collaboration and sharing are important features of ELNs as they are data management platforms. ELNs used to keep track of laboratory research, procedures, and results. ELNs store protocols, raw data, analysis protocols, analyzed data, results, and figures as well as reports. They also track inventories and equipment.
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Laboratory Information Management Systems, sometimes referred to as laboratory information systems (LIS), are widely used laboratory software. LIS enables the storage and management of patient data related to laboratory processes and testing.
Inpatient and outpatient medical testing is coordinated and quality-controlled by information systems maintained by the providers. The system tracks, stores, and updates clinical details about a patient. The data is stored for future reference in its database.
Data integrity and lifecycle management are important features of this clinical laboratory software. To ensure the accuracy of analyses and results, the analyses are electronically signed by analysts and reviewed by reviewers and managers. The integrity of the data is further ensured by integration with laboratory instruments.
Data Analysis Software
Healthcare data analytics refers to the application of data analysis methods—such as statistical modeling and data mining—to healthcare-related problems. The goal of these analyses is to improve the provision of clinical care, enhance disease prevention, and measure the effectiveness of various treatment options.
Data analysis software acquire patient data from surveys, case files, and machine-to-machine data transfers. The software validates and analyzes the data to provide healthcare executives with information that suggests actions for achieving specific goals related to quality of care, efficiency of treatment, and cost reduction.
This software should have security features that protect the data and analysis results, as well as functionality that allows healthcare workers to access information in a form that makes it easy for them to make use of the insights.
Conclusion
The best clinical laboratory software for your healthcare organization should meet your needs. So, think about what exactly your organization needs, and get the appropriate software.
Connect With a Clinical Laboratory Software Expert
Contact Lifepoint Informatics at 877.522.8378 today to book a free consultation session. Visit our contact page to discuss your needs and schedule a live demo of our lab interoperability solutions.