Technological evolution has transformed several sectors, and genetics laboratories are no exception. The use of advanced technologies has become essential to ensure precision, agility, and safety in laboratory management. An example of this is the specialized LIS.
A Laboratory Information System (LIS) is a fundamental tool that automates and manages all stages of exams, from sample collection to the issuance of reports.
The complexity of genetic tests requires more than a generic LIS; a specialized LIS is needed to meet the specific demands of genetics laboratories.
This article explores the particularities and benefits of a specialized LIS, highlighting how it can transform the operation of these laboratories.
Why do genetics laboratories need a specialized LIS?
Genetics laboratories face unique challenges that are often not adequately addressed by generic laboratory information systems.
One of the main problems is the use of Excel spreadsheets for control, which, although common, presents significant risks, such as sample swapping and lack of traceability.
These risks are amplified by the complexity of genomic data, which requires integration and careful analysis. The manual transcription of results is another critical point, susceptible to errors that can compromise diagnoses and treatments.
The inadequate integration of complex data and the absence of specific functionalities for genetic analysis are additional limitations of generic systems.
A specialized LIS, on the other hand, offers functionalities developed specifically to mitigate these risks, ensuring that all processes, from collection to the issuance of the report, are performed with maximum precision and safety.
How does the specialized LIS differ from a common LIS?
A specialized LIS for genetics laboratories differs by meeting specific needs that a common system cannot fulfill. Among these needs are:
- specific functionalities for highly complex workflows;
- automation of processes;
- ability to record and create rules of acceptability.
A specialized LIS directs the employee into the correct workflow, minimizing the possibility of errors and ensuring that each step is completed according to strict protocols.
These characteristics are crucial in an environment where precision is vital. For example, in the case of complex assays, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), the system not only tracks each step but also allows the customization of workflows to meet the specificities of each exam.
This customization is fundamental to ensure that results are reliable and that turnaround time is optimized, increasing the laboratory’s operational efficiency.
10 functionalities of a specialized LIS
A specialized LIS offers a range of functionalities developed to support the complex operations of genetics laboratories. Among the most important are:
1. Generation of work maps: an essential tool for planning and monitoring laboratory activities, ensuring that each step is completed with precision.
2. Control from genetic material extraction: rigorous monitoring from documentation checking to the end of extraction, ensuring sample integrity.
3. Control of indexing steps: monitoring of each phase of the indexing process, ensuring that the material is correctly identified, an extremely critical step in the NGS process.
4. Preparation of sample pools: a functionality that allows the efficient formation of sample pools, ensuring that there are no samples with the same indexes or barcodes within the pool.
5. Sequencing planning: tools that assist in the planning and execution of genetic sequencing, optimizing the use of resources and time.
6. Report creation: integration with analysis software, allowing the generation of accurate and customized documents according to the laboratory’s needs.
7. Customization of repetition rules: allows the definition of specific criteria for repeating tests, ensuring the quality of results.
8. System-performed calculations: automation of complex calculations, reducing the time required for analysis and increasing the precision of results.
9. Generation of productivity and result indicators: business intelligence tools that provide a clear view of the laboratory’s performance, assisting in strategic decision-making.
10. Flexibility for workflows of different methodologies: a single system that supports different methodologies, allowing the correlation of results.
MotionLIS: the specialized LIS for the needs of genetics laboratories
Among the specialized LIS options available on the market, MotionLIS stands out for its ability to meet the specific demands of genetics laboratories.
Developed by Touch Health, MotionLIS is a robust and highly configurable solution that allows total control of the operation, from sample collection to the issuance of reports.
MotionLIS is adopted by renowned laboratories that choose this solution to ensure complete traceability of exams and operational control.
In addition to its advanced functionalities, MotionLIS offers complete support for interfacing with analytical equipment, integration with hospital systems, and customization of processes according to the laboratory’s needs.
With these characteristics, MotionLIS presents itself as the ideal solution for laboratories looking to elevate the level of their operations and ensure high-quality results.
If you are responsible for a genetics laboratory and are looking to improve your processes, it is worth learning more about MotionLIS and considering its implementation to optimize your operations and ensure excellence in results.