When the time comes for a clinical organization to select a new Laboratory Information System (LIS), it may be challenging to know which solution would be the best fit. Below, we’ll discuss five key considerations to evaluate so that an organization can confidently make informed decisions. 

Selecting a Laboratory Information System (LIS) 

1. Industry 

When beginning an LIS vendor selection, one of the foundational factors is the industry that the laboratory serves. The range of services provided can help steer stakeholders toward selecting a LIS that is best suited to meet the organization’s requirements. For example, a high-throughput clinical laboratory would likely require a robust LIS that can manage large amounts of data and interface with other systems and equipment.  A small, specialized diagnostic laboratory with a narrow focus may be able to meet the needs of the organization with a less-complex LIS.  

Additionally, some LISs are created and tailored for specific types of laboratories, such as pathology and veterinary services. Industry realization helps affirm that the appropriate accrediting agency is utilized and regulations surrounding LIS are firmly grasped.  Understanding the LIS solution’s industry presence will increase the likelihood of it being the right fit for the organization. 

2. Budget 

Budget allocation for the system and associated implementation costs is something that should be estimated and evaluated for each potential solution. Costs for the application, implementation, and support services can vary depending on the system and capabilities required.  An LIS should be chosen based on the unique needs of the specific laboratory, which may come at a higher cost than other vendors.    

There are also soft factors, such as employee satisfaction, that may not have a clear numeric value but should also be considered. Additionally, budget details should be extrapolated to verify there will be adequate funds to cover system licenses, appropriate levels of hypercare, and managed services costs. When evaluating the budget, it’s important to complete a return on investment (ROI) analysis to ensure the LIS will enable process improvements and efficiencies, making it a valuable investment for the organization. 

3. Vendor Viability 

When assessing potential LIS vendors, a demonstrated industry-specific competence in products and functionality is critical. Look for client testimonials and previous success stories, especially in cases that may share a likeness to your organization and project. Examples to inquire about include LIS selection for a similar type and size of laboratory, success interfacing with laboratory instruments or electronic medical records (EMR), and historical data management or migration.  

Additionally, vendor comprehension and adherence to clinical laboratory regulations, like the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), should be understood. Vendor knowledge and application of applicable regulations is a key quality that should be possessed so that the LIS is properly implemented, validated, and it supports regulatory adherence in the laboratory.  

Lastly, it’s helpful to understand the vendor’s investment in the evolution and enhancement of their solution. An experienced implementation partner can aid in ensuring a successful outcome when selecting a new LIS. Working in partnership with a vendor selection and implementation specialist will ensure that key questions are asked and impacting factors are not overlooked.  

4. Scalability 

Another essential consideration is the future goals of an organization vs. the present state. If an organization is looking to grow and expand testing capabilities in the future, it will need a LIS that can support the laboratory’s maturation. This consideration is not limited to organizations that intend to grow their in-house offerings, but also those that may be considering growing through mergers and acquisitions of other clinical laboratories. Understanding the ability for future LIS enhancements, master data builds, and management of data from different sites is key information to ensuring the LIS selected can support the organization for years to come.     

5. Post Go-Live Support 

The last important consideration, one that is often overlooked, is post go-live support or hypercare. Inevitably, there will be tweaks required to the system discovered during the initial go-live period. When probing LIS vendors about their systems, be sure to understand the capabilities, expectations, and timeframe for hypercare that each offer.  

Beyond the immediate hypercare phase, a plan must be established for long-term maintenance of the system. This is an important characteristic to assess when evaluating different LIS vendors. It should be determined if the system will be maintained by internal resources or if the vendor or implementation provider offers managed services for the system that can be utilized. If considering contracting with a managed services provider, then service offerings, roles, and responsibilities should be understood during the selection process in addition to previously mentioned budget impacts. If the goal of the organization is to keep system maintenance in-house, it must be confirmed that adequate resources are available and they can be provided with the appropriate advanced training required to maintain and enhance the LIS. 

Making an Informed Decision  

Selecting a LIS is a complex business decision that has a direct role in supporting the organization’s quality and compliance adherence. In addition to the five considerations for selecting a LIS discussed above, guidance throughout the process from objective laboratory informatics experts is a valuable investment.  

Clarkston can provide client-focused guidance and experienced leadership during the vendor selection and implementation process so that a successful outcome can be achieved – reach out to us today.