title: Laboratory Information Systems.
abstract: Laboratory information systems (LISs) supply mission-critical capabilities for the vast array of information-processing needs of modern laboratories. LIS architectures include mainframe, client-server, and thin client configurations. The LIS database software manages a laboratory's data. LIS dictionaries are database tables that a laboratory uses to tailor an LIS to the unique needs of that laboratory. Anatomic pathology LIS (APLIS) functions play key roles throughout the pathology workflow, and laboratories rely on LIS management reports to monitor operations. This article describes the structure and functions of APLISs, with emphasis on their roles in laboratory operations and their relevance to pathologists.
authors.affiliation: Center for Pathology Informatics, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, L21, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. Electronic address: henricw@ccf.org.
authors.forename: Walter H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Henricks
mesh_terms: D002984:Clinical Laboratory Information Systems / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003201:Computers; D016208:Databases, Factual; D006801:Humans; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D010340:Pathology, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D012984:Software; D057188:Workflow
keywords: Computer systems; Informatics; Laboratory information systems; Laboratory management; Laboratory operations; Pathology informatics; Workflow