CORE LABORATORY
Ensuring and planning for connectivity and compatibility with the Laboratory Information System (LIS) or middleware upfront can help avoid issues later during the implementation and installation of your hematology system. A member of the IT department should be included as part of your implementation team to support these activities and coordinate with subject matter experts within your organization and within the medical device supplier, and to receive resources regarding connecting the new hematology analyzer to your LIS or middleware.
Your laboratory may also need to include middleware set up as part of your implementation planning. Middleware applications host a variety of capabilities to assist the Hematology laboratory and other disciplines with the management of data, tasks and processes.
Begin your hematology system to middleware application integration process with the assessment of capabilities that are currently available and any additional needs your laboratory may have. Based on this analysis, consult with your technology supplier and IT representative to discuss opportunities and to configure your application to optimize the hematology system workflow for the unique patient population served by your laboratory.
Although not directly related to compatibility with LIS or middleware, an additional point to consider is the impact of new, clinically reportable parameters available on the new hematology system that may not have been available on your previous hematology analyzer. These new parameters need to be factored in to ensure interface and order availability if needed. Working with your IT department and your medical device representative can help ensure a clear understanding of requirements to support a seamless integration.
