Laboratory Information Systems (LIS/LIMS) Course

Lesson 1 • Laboratory Workflow Overview

Map specimen lifecycle from accessioning through result reporting. Grounds system features in real operational sequences.

Lesson 2 • System Architecture and Components

Examine server, database, and client layers that form a LIS. Connects hardware and software roles to overall system reliability.

Lesson 3 • Key Stakeholders and User Roles

Identify roles such as lab director, technologist, and IT administrator within a LIS environment. Clarifies access needs and accountability structures.

Lesson 4 • LIS and LIMS Defined

Distinguish LIS from LIMS by scope, purpose, and industry context. Provides the conceptual baseline for all subsequent system study.

Lesson 1 • Terminology and Coding Systems

Apply LOINC, SNOMED CT, and ICD coding to lab results and diagnoses. Ensures semantic consistency across connected systems.

Lesson 2 • Interfaces and Integration Engines

Configure and monitor integration engines that route messages between LIS and other platforms. Builds practical interface management skills.

Lesson 3 • Messaging Standards in Laboratory Settings

Examine HL7 v2, HL7 FHIR, and ASTM messaging formats used for lab data exchange. Connects standard selection to integration project success.

Lesson 1 • Worklist and Task Management

Configure and use worklists to assign and prioritize bench tasks. Connects order management to efficient analytical throughput.

Lesson 2 • Test Order Entry and Management

Create, modify, and cancel test orders using LIS order entry screens. Establishes the starting point of the analytical workflow.

Lesson 3 • Order and Specimen Error Handling

Identify, document, and resolve order and specimen discrepancies within the LIS. Reduces pre-analytical errors that affect result accuracy.

Lesson 4 • Specimen Accessioning and Labeling

Register specimens, assign accession numbers, and print barcode labels. Ensures specimen identity integrity throughout processing.

Lesson 1 • Manual and Automated Result Entry

Enter results manually and via instrument interfaces, applying data validation rules. Establishes accurate result capture as the foundation of reporting.

Lesson 2 • Report Generation and Distribution

Configure report templates and delivery channels for clinical and external recipients. Connects verified results to timely, accurate communication.

Lesson 3 • Reference Ranges and Decision Rules

Define and maintain reference intervals and autoverification decision rules. Enables consistent, rule-driven result interpretation across the lab.

Lesson 4 • Result Amendment and Correction

Amend, correct, and retract results while preserving a complete audit trail. Maintains data integrity and regulatory compliance after initial release.

Lesson 1 • Levey-Jennings Charts and Trend Analysis

Generate and interpret Levey-Jennings charts to identify systematic and random error. Builds visual QC interpretation skills essential for daily lab operation.

Lesson 2 • QA Metrics and Reporting

Define, collect, and report key quality indicators such as turnaround time and rejection rates. Supports continuous improvement and management review.

Lesson 3 • QC Material and Lot Management

Register QC materials, assign lot numbers, and set expiration tracking in the LIS. Provides the data foundation for all QC monitoring activities.

Lesson 4 • Proficiency Testing Management

Track external proficiency testing submissions and results within the LIS. Connects internal QC performance to external accreditation requirements.

Lesson 1 • System Configuration and Maintenance

Manage system parameters, scheduled tasks, and routine maintenance procedures. Keeps the LIS environment stable and performant for daily operations.

Lesson 2 • User Account and Role Administration

Create, modify, and deactivate user accounts and assign role-based permissions. Establishes the access control framework for all system operations.

Lesson 3 • Audit Trails and Access Logging

Configure and review audit logs that record user actions and data changes. Supports regulatory compliance and forensic investigation of system events.

Lesson 4 • Backup, Recovery, and Business Continuity

Design and test backup schedules and disaster recovery procedures for the LIS. Ensures data availability and operational continuity after system failures.

Lesson 1 • User Acceptance Testing

Design and execute UAT scripts that verify system behavior against user requirements. Confirms that the configured system meets operational expectations before go-live.

Lesson 2 • Validation Strategy and Documentation

Develop validation plans, protocols, and summary reports aligned with quality system requirements. Produces the evidence package required for regulatory approval.

Lesson 3 • System Configuration and Build

Configure test panels, reference ranges, and workflows in a build environment. Translates laboratory requirements into functional system settings.

Lesson 4 • Go-Live and Post-Implementation Review

Manage cutover activities, hypercare support, and post-go-live performance review. Closes the implementation cycle and identifies optimization opportunities.

Lesson 1 • Predictive Analytics and Trend Forecasting

Use historical LIS data to forecast test volumes, staffing needs, and supply demand. Advances lab planning from reactive to proactive management.

Lesson 2 • Strategic LIS Roadmap Development

Align LIS capabilities with organizational strategy and build a multi-year technology roadmap. Prepares students for leadership roles in lab informatics planning.

Lesson 3 • Process Improvement Using LIS Data

Apply Lean and Six Sigma methods to LIS-derived data to identify and eliminate waste. Connects analytical findings to measurable workflow improvements.

Lesson 4 • LIS Reporting and Data Extraction

Build custom queries and scheduled reports to extract operational and clinical data. Provides the data access skills needed for all analytical activities.