Why Use Laboratory Information Systems?
Solid laboratory work is vital to the health of millions of people. Lab tests must be done in certain conditions and results must be delivered properly to patients and their healthcare providers. Running a lab smoothly requires smart information handling and systems that will make things easier for lab scientists, doctors, and staff. However, your existing systems and protocols might seem sufficient. Why go ahead with specific laboratory information system software?
Improved Patient Protection
Every lab has to comply with the guidelines in place to protect patient information and fall within HIPAA rules. That's sometimes challenging for lab staff because of human error. An additional layer of patient protection can be granted to any lab when laboratory information systems are used. Many information systems will remind staffers and flag certain information so that patients can have increased privacy within the system. Most systems are created with security components that can prevent people from infiltrating them; unlike someone being able to walk into a lab and look at a paper file, passwords and other security features can prevent unwanted access.
Increased Accuracy
Information system software can be customized to suit your lab's particular tests and needs so that your tests are done more accurately. For instance, a laboratory information system might flag results if they're not within two decimal places. The system may flag improper calculations. A human working with the software can then take the chance to make corrections and ensure their tests are as accurate as possible.
Better Teamwork
The staffers in your lab have a lot to do without having to respond to minor questions or playing phone tag to relay information. When you have one system in place that can be accessed by all facility computers, information sharing and teamwork can improve. Everyone will have the same details, results, and orders at their fingertips so that confusion can be kept at a minimum.
Better Equipment Maintenance
With a full information system in place for your lab, your team can log machine calibrations, repair requests, and gather other information about equipment. This will enable you to better monitor overall maintenance so that work doesn't have to be put on hold for too long because of unexpected equipment problems.
Improved Sample Tracking
Samples coming into the lab need to be protected from damage and contamination. A laboratory information system can help that happen; by applying barcodes to tubes and other items, your system can then track those samples.
For more information, contact companies like Clinical Software Solutions.