1. The practical guide to the U.S. Physician office laboratory (POL) Part six: Managing data and test results Laboratory Informatics Institute May 2014

2. Laboratory information system (LIS) and laboratory information management system (LIMS). LIS more commonly found in POL and clinical laboratories. LIMS more commonly found in the research industry. Functionality is slightly different between the two. LIS tends to be more patient centric. 3. Both LIS and LIMS can integrate with software such as hospital information systems (HIS) and practice management software (PMS). Overall work flow was covered in a previous section, in the white paper the chart is reinserted here. 4. Quality control LIS and LIMS have features to assist with quality control. Use of computers does not completely eliminate risk and occurrences of errors. Six Sigma and other techniques can benefit laboratory and business processes. 5. Results Standard communication formats are used for integration with instruments and software. Messaging formats such as health level 7 (HL7) can also be used. The results interface is used to allow communication between the LIS/LIMS and the patient record. 6. Typically uses HL7 and standard communication protocols. Needs to be customized LIS/LIMS are not turn key. After implementation allows for reporting of testing data back into the electronic health record (EHR) or other software. Also allows for communication between POL and reference laboratory 7. Getting Help First call vendors for software, instruments, testing supplies, and/or other products and services in the laboratory. Consultants may be helpful. Trade associations and professional organizations may also be helpful. 8. For more information Link to white paper with references: http://tinyurl.com/oqorxvu Contact the institute via our website: http://tinyurl.com/o5o23fp