>> The Need For Interoperability With Lab Device Integration
One of the most critical areas of healthcare that is often ignored when it comes to interoperability is laboratory testing. Without testing, diagnosis and medical care are next to impossible. Although testing for medical purposes, especially during research and development, is often done globally, test report shaving and device integration are not up to par. The most recent development to address the lack of interoperability in laboratories and lab device integration is the introduction of laboratory information management systems.
What is Laboratory Information Management Systems?
A laboratory information management system is software that allows you to promptly manage testing, samples, workflow, and results in a lab. It also helps connect lab devices to store test data and analytics.
These results can then be shared with respective healthcare systems and concerned professionals.
What is Lab Device Interoperability?
Lab device interoperability is the secure exchange of information between different lab devices and healthcare systems so that information is easy to read and use. As lab devices become more connected, their data is easily interoperable. It makes managing and storing that data more accessible, but it reduces the risks involved in sharing it with concerned individuals or departments.
The Importance of Lab Device Integration
Lab device integration and interoperability of laboratory information systems have become the need of the hour. It is believed to be the next step in furthering healthcare interoperability and healthcare IT. Some of its benefits are:
Record Keeping
Integrated lab devices help store information and make records without worrying about physical storage space or manually sorting out the files. You can store accurate sample data and keep records of entire batches of cases. It is easy to attach important information to this data, such as who was working on it, what project or patient it was for, and other intricacies.
Work-Flow Management
Increasing interoperability in the laboratory by integrating lab devices also helps with workflow management. This is seen when specific tests and experiments are easier to control, and it is easier to put workflow on automation.
The integration reminds researchers of their tasks and helps keep them updated.
Inventory Management
Managing inventories, especially for labs that make vaccines or medicines, is very important. Integration of lab devices helps keep track of the items used from the inventory and when they were restocked. It also reduces supply-chain issues for labs and healthcare providers so that everything is working efficiently.
Efficient Reporting
Generating reports on a timely basis is essential for any testing lab. Reporting tasks are easily streamlined when devices are integrated, and there is an interoperable management system running things. It helps keep daily, weekly, and monthly checks on what needs to be done and how far along the work has come. The reports are then accurately stored and used for data analytics when required.
Sharing Results and Analytics
Lastly, integrating lab devices makes it easier to share data and analytics with those concerned. There are fewer chances of the data leaking, and patient or project privacy is never at risk. If data can be taken directly from lab devices rather than manually input, it saves a lot of time and effort and helps different healthcare departments come together.
The Way Forward
Although this front of integration and interoperability is relatively new, it is needed for healthcare to advance and take the next step towards becoming better. LIMS can be implemented in various testing labs through simple steps so that healthcare and medical research and development becomes faster and more efficient. With lab devices integrated into the greater network, everything becomes safer and easier to achieve.
DevScripts Solutions is an IT Consultant Firm Specializing in Interoperability within the Healthcare Arena.
We are a small team solving big interoperability challenges on a daily basis. With our vast knowledge of interoperability we can integrate ourselves as part of your organization just like we are part of your full-time team. We develop a variety of custom interfaces for healthcare organizations such as Healthcare Vendors, HIEs, Health Systems, Hospitals, Medical Practices, Payors and ACOs using Mirth Connect.
We work with businesses in California, Georgia, New York, Florida, Texas and throughout the wider United States.
For more information on our services or to arrange a consultation call please contact us today.
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