LIMS & Polytech

LIMS and Polytech Functionality

LIMS and Polytech’s functionality overlap almost completely. There’s a lot of LIMS confusion in the marketplace. Some vendors and ancillary groups use the terms LIS and LIMS interchangeably. What’s the difference between an LIS and a LIMS?

Polytech LIMS?

If you are looking for a LIMS for your clinical lab, then you might ask, “Is Polytech a LIMS?” Technically, Polytech is an LIS, but it can do everything a LIMS does. A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is software that effectively manages samples and associated data. A LIMS can automate workflows, integrate instruments, and manage samples and associated information. All of that functionality is included in the Polytech LIS.

What’s the difference between an LIS and a LIMS?

So, are you really looking for a LIMS? The difference between the two systems is that an LIS focuses on patient information and test results, while a LIMS focuses on test samples. If your lab handles patient related samples and reports results to patients and providers then an LIS is the right choice for your lab.

So, can a LIMS work in a clinical lab? Maybe. A LIMS doesn’t need the robust interoperability that an LIS must deliver. Interfacing with EHRs to automate patient data and test orders will be limited in a LIMS. A LIMS also doesn’t typically interface with RCMs and billing software (since there is no patient). Vendor build outs of a LIMS to accommodate these interface needs can increase installation costs.

Is Polytech a LIMS?

It can be, but it has the more robust interoperability of an LIS.

So, who needs a LIMS instead of an LIS? Pharmaceutical developers, manufactures and researchers may need LIMS functionality for batch anonymous samples or specific regulatory reporting. But that functionality can be accommodated with minor customizations to the Polytech LIS. Polytech is used in hybrid clinical and research laboratories with test batches assigned and ID just like a patient and the testing data is easily aggregated in custom reports.

There’s a lot of LIMS confusion in the marketplace. Some vendors and ancillary groups use the terms LIS and LIMS interchangeably. What’s the difference between an LIS and a LIMS?

About Comp Pro Med

Comp Pro Med has been providing clinical laboratory information solutions since 1983 and delivers the most comprehensive LIS on the market today, the Polytech LIS. Comp Pro Med’s robust yet easy to use solutions allow clinical and hospital laboratories to expedite patient record management processes, interface seamlessly with any application or instrument, automate data collection and reporting, with zero downtime and in compliance with state and federal regulations.