Laboratory Software: How to Choose the Best Solution for Your Lab’s Needs

Choosing the right laboratory software isn’t just an IT decision—it’s a business-critical investment that can shape everything from daily workflow to long-term profitability. Whether you’re a clinical lab, toxicology group, pathology practice, or molecular testing facility, the wrong system slows you down, exposes you to billing errors, and limits scalability.

Yet far too many labs still piece together siloed systems—or worse, settle for platforms that weren’t built for the complexity of lab operations.

This guide breaks down what to look for in laboratory software, where most labs get it wrong, and how to choose a solution that actually supports your operational and financial goals.

Why Laboratory Software Is So Much More Than an LIS

When most people hear “laboratory software,” they think LIS—the Laboratory Information System that manages specimen tracking, test results, and provider communication. But that’s only part of the picture.

The best laboratory software solutions integrate:

● Front-end order intake and eligibility checking

● Specimen and workflow management

● Test coding and billing logic

● Clinical documentation and result distribution

● Real-time analytics for both clinical and financial performance

And ideally, they’re built to talk to your billing engine, EHR, and even external reference labs without constant patching.

ADS’ MedicsPremier financial and operational platform was designed for exactly this kind of interoperability. For labs that need it, our solutions combine laboratory billing tools and revenue cycle management requirements into one seamless system.

1. Start with Your Lab’s Workflow, Not a Feature List

One of the biggest traps labs fall into is shopping for features instead of solving for workflow. Do you process high volumes of repetitive panels? Handle complex molecular diagnostics? Interface with multiple EHRs, hospital information systems, or lab instruments?

Your laboratory software should reflect your actual operational map—not just check boxes in a product demo.

That means assessing:

● Order entry and test mapping workflows

● Barcode and specimen tracking

● Integration needs with instruments or middleware

● Custom reporting requirements (especially for specialized panels or client-specific formats)

Look for a vendor who will walk your process with you, identify bottlenecks, and tailor the software accordingly. ADS begins every implementation with a deep-dive operational assessment—because good software only works if it actually fits your lab. ADSRCM does the same if comprehensive outsourced billing, analytics, and behind-the-scenes staffing is preferred.

2. Don’t Let Billing Live in a Black Box

Most LIS systems weren’t designed with billing in mind—and that’s where things break. If your system can’t validate insurance coverage, cross-check ICD-10 codes, or ensure medical necessity at the order stage, you’re setting up for denial headaches later.

Your laboratory software should be revenue-aware—designed to surface billing issues early and streamline claims processing downstream. If your billing team is still doing manual claim cleanup after the fact, your software isn’t doing enough.

MedicsPremier from ADS is ideal for in-house teams who want to use in-lab automation. ADSRCM is equally as ideal if outsourcing is preferred.

3. Make Sure It’s Scalable (Not Just Usable)

Some systems feel “easy” during a demo—but buckle under volume or complexity six months later. That’s especially true for labs expanding into new test types, opening satellite locations, or onboarding multiple client groups.

Ask:

● How does the system manage multi-site routing or batch processing?

● Can you configure rules for different clients, payers, or panels?

● What’s the reporting granularity at scale?

Scalability isn’t just about speed—it’s about configurability without IT dependency. Out clients benefit from modular architecture that grows with them—from single-location setups to multi-facility laboratory networks.

4. Look for Support That Feels Like Partnership

Even the best software is only as good as the support behind it. Lab operations are fast-moving, high-pressure, and deeply technical. When things go wrong—or when you’re growing fast—you need a partner who understands both the tech and the business of lab medicine.

We’ve supported labs for over 40 years. Our support teams speak your language, know your compliance environment, and care about the outcome—not just the ticket. When you need a change made, a rule configured, or a payer issue resolved, we’re in it with you.

5. Ask the Right Questions Before You Buy or Engage

Here are a few smart questions to ask any lab software vendor before you commit:

● Can you walk me through how your system handles specimen lifecycle and billing integration in real time?

● What’s your experience with my specific lab type and test mix?

● How does your software handle payer rules, test mapping, and documentation validation?

● What level of post-go-live support and configuration is included?

If they hesitate, or default to vague answers you may be looking at a generic solution.

For a more technical deep dive, check out this ONC guide to health IT interoperability for context on how systems should communicate and scale. 

You Deserve Software That Works Like Your Lab Does

We don’t just sell software or outsourced services—we help labs build systems that support their clinical mission and financial strength.

Schedule a consultation to explore a solution tailored to your lab’s real needs—not a generic checklist.