NovoPath Glossary of LIS Terms

A – B – C – D – E – F – G – H – I – J – K – L – M – N – O – P – Q – R – S – T – U – V – W – X – Y – Z

Analytics: The practice of interpreting data from the LIS in order to gain insights and make informed decisions. In the context of laboratory information systems, this could include studying test results and patient data to identify trends or improve lab efficiency.

Anatomic Pathology: The field of pathology that examines the structure and function of organs, tissues and cells in order to diagnose and understand diseases. See how NovoPath helps with anatomic pathology.

Automated Workflow: Automated processes within the laboratory information system that are intended to improve the accuracy and efficiency of lab test results.

Batch Processing: The capability of processing multiple samples or lab tests at the same time.

Batch Scanning: The process of scanning large volumes of documents or images in a single run, rather than scanning them one by one.

Client-Server Architecture: A design that separates the system’s software between a client component that runs on the user’s computer and a server component that handles the database and shared tasks.

Cloud-Hosted: A service or application that is hosted and delivered over the internet, rather than on local servers or personal computers. Learn more about cloud-hosted LIS software.

Data Security: Measures taken to protect data from unauthorized access, misuse, or destruction within a laboratory or medical facility. This may include encryption, firewalls, and access controls.

Data Warehousing: The practice of storing large amounts of data in a central repository for easy access and analysis. This could include storing lab data and test results for use in reporting, analytics, or research.

Data Backup: The process of making copies of data in the LIS to ensure that it can be recovered in case of a system failure or disaster.

Data Management: The ability to store, organize, and retrieve data within the LIS.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): The exchange of laboratory test results and other information between different systems or organizations.

FISH: Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization, is a laboratory technique used in molecular cytogenetics to visualize and detect specific genetic material within cells. In laboratory information systems, FISH refers to the integration of FISH test results into electronic medical records and laboratory information systems for efficient storage, management, and sharing of test data.

Genomics: Genomics refers to the management and analysis of genomic data, which can provide insights into an individual’s genetic makeup and associated health risks, as well as inform personalized treatment decisions.

Hematopathology: A branch of pathology that deals with the study and diagnosis of blood disorders, including leukemia, lymphoma, and other hematological malignancies. In laboratory information systems, hematopathology refers to the integration of laboratory test data related to blood disorders into electronic medical records and laboratory information systems. This can include test results from various techniques, such as blood smears, bone marrow biopsies, flow cytometry, and molecular testing, which can be analyzed and managed in the laboratory information system.

Integration: The ability to connect a laboratory information system with other software or hardware, such as electronic medical records or lab instruments. This can allow for the seamless exchange of data and can improve lab efficiency.

Interoperability: The ability of different systems, devices, or applications to work together seamlessly and exchange data. Learn how NovoPath offers seamless interoperability.

Java: A widely-used programming language that can be used to develop various laboratory information systems and related applications. Java-based applications can run on multiple platforms and can be easily integrated with other software and systems.

KPIs: Key performance indicators (KPIs), are metrics used to measure the performance and effectiveness of laboratory information systems and related processes. KPIs can be used to track various aspects of laboratory operations, such as turnaround time for test results, error rates, and staff productivity. Learn more about LIS KPIs.

Lab Instrument Interface: Software that allows laboratory information systems to connect with and control laboratory instruments.

Laboratory Information System (LIS): Laboratory Information System, a software platform used in medical laboratories to manage test orders, results, and patient information.

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS): Laboratory Information Management System, is a software system used to manage samples and information in a laboratory setting, including data on sample collection, analysis, and results. Learn the differences between LIS vs LIMS software.

Maintenance: The ongoing process of ensuring that the LIS is up-to-date and functioning properly.

Multi-Specialty: Refers to a healthcare or medical practice that provides services in multiple medical specialties.

Multitenancy Cloud: A cloud computing architecture where multiple tenants (customers) share a single instance of software and infrastructure, but have isolated and secure access to their own data and configurations.

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS): A high-throughput sequencing technology used to rapidly and accurately sequence large amounts of DNA or RNA in a single run. In laboratory information systems, NGS refers to the process of generating, managing, and analyzing genomic data using this technology.

On-Premise: Also known as On-Prem or On-Premises, this refers to software that is installed and runs locally on a computer or server within an organization’s own data center or facility. Most organizations prefer cloud-based LIS solutions instead of on-prem. Cloud-based solutions offer a more scalable and cost-effective alternative, as the software is hosted and managed by the vendor and accessed via the internet.

Pathology Software: Software that is specifically designed for use in pathology laboratories, which can include laboratory information systems, imaging software, and data management tools.

Quality Control: Procedures for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results.

Reporting: The ability to generate reports, such as patient test results, from the system’s data.

SaaS: Software as a Service, a model of software delivery where the provider hosts the software and makes it available to customers over the internet. Learn about migrating to a SaaS-based LIS.

Scalability: The ability to expand or reduce the capacity of a system as needed. In the context of a laboratory information system, scalability might refer to the ability to easily add new users or manage a growing volume of data.

SOC2: Service Organization Control 2, a type of audit that evaluates the controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a service organization’s systems and data.

Software Updates: The process of releasing new versions of a software product to fix bugs, add new features, or improve performance.

Subscription Pricing Model: A pricing strategy where customers pay a recurring fee to access a product or service, rather than paying a one-time fee or purchasing the product outright.

Tracking: In laboratory information systems, tracking refers to the ability to monitor and manage the movement of specimens and samples throughout the testing process.

Up Time: A measure of the availability and reliability of a computer system, expressed as the percentage of time the system is operational and available for use.

User Management: The process of creating and managing user accounts, including setting permissions and access controls.

Validation: The process of verifying that data entered into the system is accurate and complete.

Workflow Management: The ability to track and manage the flow of samples and test results within the laboratory. Learn how LIS software can help your workflow.

Yield: Yield refers to the quantity or quality of usable results that are obtained from a laboratory process or test. In laboratory information systems, yield can be measured and tracked to monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of laboratory processes, and to identify areas for improvement.

Z-score: In laboratories, Z-score refers to a statistical measure that is used to compare a specific test result to a reference population, and to determine the deviation of the result from the expected value.