# How to choose a laboratory information system

A practical LIS buyer's guide from Lab Dynamo for toxicology, molecular, chemistry, pharmacogenomics, and pathology labs.

## What is a laboratory information system (LIS)?

A laboratory information system (LIS) is software that runs a clinical lab’s testing workflow: receiving orders, accessioning specimens, capturing instrument results, reviewing and releasing them, and delivering reports to ordering providers. It is the system of record for every specimen and result the lab produces.

## What is the difference between an LIS and a LIMS?

An LIS is built around patients, orders, and clinical reporting for diagnostic testing. A LIMS (laboratory information management system) is built around samples and batches in research, manufacturing, or environmental testing. Clinical labs that report patient results to providers generally need an LIS, although some vendors use the terms interchangeably.

## What is LIS middleware?

LIS middleware sits between laboratory instruments and the LIS. It translates each analyzer’s protocol, such as ASTM, HL7, or serial output, routes orders to instruments and results back, and can apply rules before results reach the LIS. It is most valuable for labs with many instruments, older serial-only analyzers, or plans to change LIS without reconnecting every instrument.

## What interfaces does a clinical lab need?

Most clinical labs need instrument interfaces (ASTM / LIS2-A2, HL7, RS-232 serial, TCP/IP, or flat files), HL7 order and result interfaces with client EHRs, a billing interface, and often interfaces with practice management systems and reference laboratories, using code standards such as LOINC, CPT, and ICD-10.

## Should an LIS be cloud-hosted or self-hosted?

Cloud-hosted LIS software removes servers, patching, and backups from the lab’s workload and is usually faster to deploy. Self-hosting gives the organization direct control over infrastructure and data location. Many labs choose a hosted LIS with secure local agents for instrument connectivity.

## Questions to ask every LIS vendor

1. Who builds and supports interfaces, your own team or a third party?
2. Can you connect older serial-only instruments?
3. Can instruments stay connected if we change LIS later?
4. How do clients order and get results online?
5. What can our staff configure without the vendor?
6. How are updates, backups, and disaster recovery handled?
7. Will you sign a business associate agreement?
8. What does implementation include, and what costs extra?
9. Who supports us, and do they know our setup?
10. Can we talk to a lab like ours that uses your system?

Read the full guide at https://labdynamo.com/lis-buyers-guide.