Evaluation of Laboratory Information System Implementation at Diagnostic Laboratories in Cross River State

Laboratory information systems are a key infrastructure component for quality management and data integrity in diagnostic laboratories, and their implementation status at laboratories in Cross River State has important implications for health data management and clinical decision-making. This study evaluates the implementation and functional performance of laboratory information systems at eight diagnostic laboratories in Cross River State, including two tertiary hospital laboratories, three secondary hospital laboratories, and three private diagnostic centres. A structured assessment instrument evaluated LIS presence, software type, module coverage, user interface quality, integration with hospital information systems, backup and data security practices, and staff training status. Interviews were conducted with laboratory managers, IT officers, and bench technologists. Findings show that LIS was in use at only four of the eight assessed laboratories. Of the four with LIS, two used comprehensive commercial platforms and two used basic Microsoft Access-based solutions with limited functionality. Order entry, result reporting, and patient record search functionalities were present at all four LIS-equipped laboratories, but quality control data management and inventory management modules were absent at both basic-platform sites. Integration with hospital information systems was achieved at one tertiary facility only. Data backup procedures were automated at two facilities and manual at two, with no documented backup at four laboratories. Staff training records were current at two LIS facilities. The study recommends a Cross River State health facility LIS standardization policy, with open-source LIS platforms proposed as a cost-effective option for secondary facilities. Keywords: laboratory information system, diagnostic laboratory, data management, Cross River State, health informatics.