The Role of Laboratory Information System in Improving the Delivery of Laboratory Service: A Recent Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Recently, laboratory information systems (LISs) have become a necessity for every laboratory to improve the decision-making process and achieve better treatment and diagnostic results. By standardizing a laboratory's tests, procedures, and workflows, the software enables laboratories to improve patient care, reduce human error, and constructively lower operating costs. The implementation of a laboratory information system (LIS) has a multidimensional impact on improving the delivery of laboratory services. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to investigate how patient service can be improved by a laboratory information system. Methods: This paper is based on a review conducted by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, Saudi digital libraries and Research Gate for English language articles published from 2015 to 2021, and focused primarily on laboratory information system. Results: The literature searches yielded a total of 30 articles that were then initially screened based on the titles and abstracts. Seven articles were excluded because they did not primarily address LIMS for biosafety, automated verification of test results in the core clinical laboratory, clinical biochemistry, or the impact of health information technology on patient safety, or not written in English. The remaining 23 articles were then screened in full text. Conclusion: Advanced laboratory information systems may eliminate diagnostic errors in the preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical phases. In addition, they can incorporate genomic data at the analytical stage to generate useful reports for providers and patients.