5 Ways LIMS is Doing Wonders in Pathology Lab Reporting

The digital transformation of laboratories is picking up pace with time. Virtual laboratory, where all data from various sources (read: source documents) can be managed and accessed digitally in the virtual space, has been gaining traction among the institutes. Keeping this trend in mind, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) has become a game changer in the field of pathology lab reporting. Using advanced features of LIMS for pathology reporting can not only eliminate most manual tasks but also streamline workflow. From managing specimen to test requisition, sample tracking to final report, a specialty-specific lab management software helps pathologists get rid of inefficiencies and reduce errors at every step.

Understanding LIMS for Pathology Reporting

A Laboratory Information Management System is a computer software that is used to manage laboratory operations and workflows by improving automation and integration. It is used to track and store information regarding specimens, results, and other data related to testing, which is helpful when generating reports. LIMS allows pathologists to view the results of the test performed on the specimen, which is entered into the system by lab technicians. There are several advantages of using a LIMS, including the ability to track specimens and test results, generate reports, reduce errors and improve communication between departments. In pathology, a LIMS is used to manage test requisition, sample tracking, result reporting and maintenance of records, like sample source, client information, and chain of custody. Pathology labs deal with a lot of confidential and sensitive data, so using a pathology management software with robust security features is a must.

Organizing Test Requisition in Pathology Lab

Pathologists would understand the importance of organizing test requisition in pathology laboratory. They are the first touchpoint between clinicians and the lab where test request details are captured. This can be a source of inefficiency if it is not managed well in a pathology lab management software. Some specialty-specific LIMS, especially designed for pathology lab, have test requisition integrated with specimen management. By integrating test request with specimen management, test requisition gets automatically populated with specimen details like its name, type, source, etc. This helps pathologists to enter the test details accurately, which reduces the chances of errors when test report is generated. Organizing test request details can help pathologists to quickly identify the status of the specimen, which is a big advantage when it comes to reporting.

Streamlining Sample Tracking in Pathology Lab

Sample tracking is another important function in pathology lab management software. It lets users to track the progress of specimen from source to test report. This helps pathologists to identify the status of each specimen and take immediate action if there is any delay. There are two ways to track specimens in pathology lab. One is to manually create records for each specimen and store them in a separate table. The second is to integrate specimen tracking into test request table, so that each specimen’s progress can be tracked automatically. Some specialty-specific LIMS include integrated specimen tracking which is helpful in avoiding duplication of data. It also enables pathologists to see the progress of each specimen and take timely actions if there is any delay.

Eliminating Manual Tasks with Automation in Pathology Lab

Manual data entry is a big source of inefficiency in pathology lab. Data that is manually entered into the system is prone to errors, thus making it difficult for pathologists to generate accurate test reports. With automation, several tasks in pathology lab management software can be managed without any manual data entry. Some of the features of automation in pathology lab management software are specimen tracking, test requisition, reporting, and sample movement. Automation in specimen tracking secures the integrity of data and avoids duplication by keeping a track of every specimen. Similarly, test request can be automatically populated with specimen details, which helps to enter test details accurately.

Limiting Exposure of Confidential Data through Encryption

Automatic encryption is another important feature of pathology lab management software that can help to protect confidential data. This feature lets you to encrypt the data at rest and in transit by using robust algorithms and keys. Using a pathology lab management software with this feature ensures that confidential data is not visible to unauthorized users. Some pathology lab management software can let you set rules, like who can access what data, which is helpful in restricting user access to confidential data. You can also set rules to avoid data duplication, making it easier for pathologists to work with the data.