Managing the Laboratory Information System from a Clinical Microbiology Perspective

Abstract

This chapter reviews the principles of laboratory informatics and information system architecture. The potential for the laboratory information system (LIS) to serve as a tool for enhancing the cost-effectiveness and accuracy of microbiology laboratory testing is also discussed. The primary purpose of the LIS is to manage an abundance of laboratory data, and that activity is the foundation of laboratory informatics. In reality, much of the data residing in the LIS are of little concern to the clinical microbiology laboratory. The LIS depends on the master patient index (MPI) for the most current information regarding patient admissions, discharges, and transfers. Usually, this information is sent to the LIS dynamically via an admission/discharge/transfer (ADT) interface. Such an interface obviates the need for manual entry of patient demographic records in the LIS. Clinical microbiology laboratories should be able to realize the many benefits offered by healthcare information systems. Individuals who are well versed in both clinical microbiology and information system technology enable this to happen. The combination of clinical microbiology and laboratory informatics is an excellent fit.