Laboratory Information Systems and Instrument Software Lack Basic Functionality for Molecular Laboratories

This study determined functionality gaps of LISs in molecular laboratories and the associated impact to workflow, efficiency, and security by collecting anonymous survey data from clinical laboratory professionals. A 34-question survey (30 required + four optional) was compiled using an online survey tool. Participants were recruited through several professional molecular society listservs and given four weeks to complete the survey. Data collected included participant demographics, scope of testing, software capabilities for the LIS and molecular instruments, and comments. Eighty respondents completed the entire survey. Many desired versus actual functionality gaps were identified. Prominent amongst these were barcoding, LIS interfacing, storage of pre-analytical data, HIPAA compliance/information security, and reporting. Much basic functionality is lacking in molecular LISs and molecular instrument software. Some of these results indicate that instruments and LISs are not compliant with HIPAA. Collaboration between molecular professionals and manufacturers of instruments and software is necessary to correct these deficits and is critically important to ensure the continued high quality and safety of molecular practice as the volume of testing skyrockets.
Source: The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics - Category: Pathology Source Type: research