Top Laboratory Information System Providers in 2025

Running a successful laboratory takes more than skilled staff and advanced instruments. Behind the scenes, a Laboratory Information System manages the flow of data, tracks every specimen, and helps labs meet the demands of modern diagnostics. In 2025, labs of all sizes depend on LIS platforms to stay organized, improve turnaround time, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

The following providers are among the most trusted and widely used in the lab industry today. Each one offers a different set of strengths based on the type of lab and its operational needs.

NovoPath

NovoPath is one of the most widely adopted LIS platforms for pathology labs. It supports anatomic pathology, molecular diagnostics, and cytogenetics through a cloud-based system that emphasizes automation and flexibility. Laboratories using NovoPath can assign cases automatically, integrate with digital pathology systems, and generate customizable reports.

The platform is designed to reduce manual data entry and eliminate redundant steps in the lab workflow. NovoPath connects easily with EMR systems and diagnostic equipment, making it easier for labs to centralize their operations. Because the software is modular, labs can adjust the system based on specialty, volume, and case complexity.

NovoPath is also compliant with HIPAA and CLIA standards. The platform supports audit logging, access controls, and rules-based workflows that ensure accuracy and consistency. Many pathology labs choose NovoPath when they need a system that adapts to how they already work rather than forcing new processes on their teams.

Epic Beaker

Epic Beaker is the lab module within the Epic electronic medical record system. It is designed for health systems that already use Epic for patient records, scheduling, billing, and clinical operations. Beaker supports both clinical and anatomic pathology and allows for full visibility of lab data inside the larger EMR.

For health systems that need deep integration, Beaker is a practical option. It allows clinicians to place orders, view results, and access specimen details without leaving their existing workflows. Test routing and validation can be automated, and the system is configured to follow a hospital's internal standards for accuracy and compliance.

Beaker’s interface is consistent with other Epic modules, which simplifies training and onboarding. While it is best suited for large organizations already using Epic, it offers strong support for labs operating within hospitals, outpatient centers, and academic medical environments.

Sunquest

Sunquest has been a fixture in the LIS market for decades. It is known for supporting large, complex labs that operate across multiple disciplines. Sunquest is used in settings like academic hospitals, commercial reference labs, and regional health networks.

The system supports a wide range of lab departments, including chemistry, microbiology, hematology, genetics, and molecular diagnostics. Sunquest allows labs to build detailed rules for processing and reporting, which reduces human error and supports high-volume testing.

It includes modules for quality control, instrument interfacing, audit tracking, and multi-site coordination. While Sunquest has more configuration options than most other platforms, that flexibility can also lead to longer implementation timelines. Labs with dedicated IT support and a need for deep customization are often a good fit.

Orchard Software

Orchard Software serves labs that need an all-in-one platform but may not have the staffing or budget to support a large enterprise system. Orchard Harvest, its flagship product, is designed for clinical labs, physician office labs, and hospitals that need flexibility without added complexity.

The system includes rules-based decision support, result delivery tools, and specimen tracking. It integrates with most instruments and works with external billing and EMR platforms. Labs can configure reports based on provider preferences or test type.

Orchard also offers modules for outreach, allowing labs to manage remote clients and maintain branded result delivery. The system supports HIPAA compliance, quality control logs, and audit-ready reporting. It is widely used in community-based labs and hospitals that need dependable software without extensive overhead.

Cerner PathNet

Cerner PathNet is part of the Cerner Millennium suite and is most commonly used in large hospital systems. It supports both clinical and anatomic lab testing and connects directly with other Cerner modules for patient care, scheduling, and billing.

PathNet supports barcode tracking, real-time result reporting, and cross-departmental communication. For organizations that use Cerner for their entire healthcare ecosystem, PathNet brings lab data into the same platform. This improves data visibility for clinicians and reduces system fragmentation.

The system also includes modules for microbiology, blood bank, histology, and cytology. Lab administrators can set automated workflows for different departments, track turnaround times, and ensure compliance with internal and external standards. Cerner PathNet is ideal for health systems looking to consolidate systems and manage lab operations at scale.

Clinisys

Clinisys supports a wide range of labs, including public health departments, commercial reference labs, and large diagnostic networks. It is designed to support multi-site operations, centralized lab management, and regional compliance requirements.

The platform includes role-based access control, multilingual support, high-volume test processing, and customizable workflows. Clinisys also offers advanced reporting and analytics features, making it easier to identify trends or address workflow bottlenecks.

Its architecture allows labs to add modules as they grow or expand into new testing areas. Clinisys supports cloud-based deployments, which simplifies maintenance for organizations without a large IT team.

LabWare

LabWare is known for its ability to function as both a Laboratory Information System and a Laboratory Information Management System. This dual role makes it ideal for labs operating in diagnostics and research or pharmaceutical environments.

LabWare includes tools for workflow automation, document version control, sample tracking, and regulatory compliance. It supports data exchange through HL7, ASTM, and other healthcare standards. Labs can set up custom workflows, monitor turnaround times, and generate audit-ready documentation.

It is used in organizations that manage multiple testing environments, including clinical diagnostics, clinical trials, and drug development. The system’s flexibility makes it suitable for hybrid labs where data integrity and automation are critical.

CGM LABDAQ

CGM LABDAQ is designed for physician office labs, urgent care centers, and outpatient clinics. It offers an intuitive interface and is optimized for fast implementation and ease of use. The system includes modules for instrument interfacing, specimen tracking, quality control, and regulatory reporting.

LABDAQ integrates with EMRs and billing systems and supports remote access for providers. The platform includes customizable templates for result reporting and supports outreach lab workflows. It is commonly selected by smaller labs that require a reliable LIS without the need for enterprise-level configuration.

Apex LIS

Apex LIS is often used by toxicology labs and diagnostic centers with a focus on turnaround speed and high sample volumes. It includes client result portals, barcode tracking, billing integration, and multi-location support.

The system offers HL7 and HIPAA compliance tools and integrates with major lab instruments. Apex also allows for the creation of client-specific test panels, which is important for labs serving different types of providers. The software is used by growing labs that need to scale operations while maintaining compliance and efficiency.

Medicus LIS

Medicus LIS provides core functionality for labs that want a budget-conscious option with essential features. It supports order entry, specimen tracking, result reporting, quality control, and compliance documentation. The system offers both on-premise and cloud deployment.

Medicus is used by small and mid-sized labs that do not need advanced customization but still require dependable performance and integration with existing lab hardware. It supports test panels across chemistry, toxicology, and hematology.

Choosing the Right Fit

The best LIS for a lab depends on factors like sample volume, testing specialty, staffing, regulatory obligations, and system integration needs. A hospital-based lab will need different tools than an independent pathology group or a physician office lab.

NovoPath remains a strong choice for labs specializing in pathology. Epic Beaker and Cerner PathNet are well suited to hospitals already using those respective EMR platforms. Sunquest and LabWare offer depth for large or hybrid labs with varied testing environments. Orchard and CGM LABDAQ provide flexible and affordable options for community labs and physician groups.

A well-implemented LIS improves more than just reporting. It enhances collaboration, reduces administrative work, and improves the reliability of results. Whether a lab is upgrading from a legacy system or choosing a platform for the first time, evaluating LIS providers based on workflow fit and long-term support is essential.