When evaluating a Laboratory Information System, the most important step is knowing the right questions to ask LIS vendors before you buy. Choosing a LIS is one of the most critical decisions your lab will make, but many buyers rely only on demos, feature lists, or price quotes—without digging into the factors that determine long-term success after the contract is signed.
If you’re considering a LIS vendor, it’s not just about checking boxes. It’s about selecting a long-term partner who understands your lab’s complexity, supports your growth, and removes operational friction—not adds to it.
Below are 10 essential questions every lab should ask a LIS vendor before making a decision. These questions are taken from real-world implementations and distilled into our LIS Vendor Scorecard, built to help labs like yours make confident, informed choices.
1. Questions to Ask LIS Vendors: Is This a True SaaS LIS or Just Cloud-Hosted?
Many vendors market their software as “cloud-based,” but that doesn’t mean it’s true SaaS. A real SaaS LIS is built from the ground up for the cloud. It delivers continuous updates, faster implementation, and no server maintenance on your side.
What to look for:
Multi-tenant architecture
No manual upgrades
Frequent, automatic software releases
Scalability without added infrastructure
If the vendor stumbles on this question, you may be dealing with legacy software rebranded as cloud.
2. What does your implementation process look like?
The most common reason LIS projects fail isn’t the software—it’s poor implementation. You need more than a deployment plan. You need experts who understand your workflows and can guide you without relying on you to figure it all out.
Ask about:
Time-to-go-live averages
Lab-specific workflow configuration
Support for integrations (EMR, billing, instruments)
Whether they assign a dedicated implementation team
NovoPath uses a structured five-stage methodology with LIS implementation experts who bring the expertise—so you don’t have to.
3. How do you handle system updates and releases?
Legacy systems often require disruptive upgrades, new hardware, or long support calls. True SaaS platforms should be releasing monthly enhancements with zero downtime for your lab.
Ask:
How often is the software updated?
Is downtime required?
Can I preview upcoming features?
How are users notified of changes?
This question quickly separates innovative platforms from stagnant ones.
4. How customizable are the workflows for our specialty?
Every lab is different. Oncology, molecular, pathology, and hospital labs all have unique routing, reflex rules, and compliance needs. Vendors should be able to show how they support specialty-specific workflows.
Look for:
Pre-built modules for your specialty
Custom rule logic configuration
Integration with specialized instruments
Examples from similar labs
NovoPath’s LIS offers tailored support for molecular, genomic, flow, FISH, and AP workflows out of the box.
5. What does your support structure look like after go-live?
Many vendors are great during the sales process—then disappear after implementation. Ask about long-term support, ticket response times, and how change requests are handled.
Questions to ask:
Is support included in your licensing?
Do I get a dedicated account manager?
What is your SLA (Service Level Agreement)?
Can I access real-time help or chat?
NovoPath clients receive responsive U.S.-based support, with proactive client success programs.
6. How easy is it to train new staff?
Staff turnover is a reality in labs. Your LIS should be intuitive, with on-screen training capabilities that don’t rely on internal superusers to onboard new hires.
Ask:
Do you offer training videos or modules?
Is training embedded in the system?
How do you support ongoing education?
NovoPath includes training built into the platform—no extra tickets, no knowledge silos.
7. How secure is the system and how do you manage data compliance?
With increasing scrutiny from regulators, LIS platforms must support HIPAA, CLIA, CAP, and other requirements. Security isn’t optional—it’s foundational.
Ask about:
Data encryption at rest and in transit
Role-based access and audit logs
Third-party compliance audits
Backup and disaster recovery
NovoPath’s architecture includes enterprise-grade security and compliance tools designed for regulated lab environments.
8. How does the LIS integrate with our other systems?
A LIS doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It should connect seamlessly with your EMR, billing system, reference labs, instruments, and more.
Ask:
Do you support HL7, FHIR, API, and other protocols?
How do you manage bi-directional integration?
What’s the turnaround time for interface setup?
NovoPath supports flexible interoperability and rapid interface development across your lab ecosystem.
9. What KPIs and reporting tools are built into the system?
Your LIS should do more than track cases. It should help you run your lab smarter—with dashboards, productivity insights, and audit-ready reporting.
Ask:
Are dashboards and reports configurable?
Can I export data to BI tools?
What metrics are tracked out of the box?
NovoPath gives lab managers and executives access to real-time analytics with no coding required.
10. Can I evaluate your system using a vendor scorecard?
This is your moment to make it objective. A structured vendor scorecard helps you compare systems apples-to-apples—on the metrics that matter most to your lab.
✅ We’ve built one for you:
Download NovoPath’s LIS Vendor Scorecard
Use it to rate vendors based on:
Implementation strategy
Product architecture
Workflow support
Support and training
Reporting and integration
Final Thoughts
There’s no shortage of LIS vendors promising customization, cloud access, and automation. But the labs that succeed ask deeper questions—about scalability, support, usability, and long-term partnership.
By asking these 10 questions early in your buying process, you protect your investment and set your lab up for long-term success. More importantly, you avoid getting locked into outdated systems with expensive maintenance and poor user experience.
Want help evaluating vendors side-by-side?
Download the NovoPath LIS Vendor Scorecard
Start your selection process with a clear, confident framework.