Top Healthcare Laboratory Information Systems in 2025

In today’s healthcare environment, laboratories handle a constant stream of tests, results, and data that directly influence patient care. Behind the scenes, Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) make that possible. They connect instruments, manage data, and keep operations running smoothly so doctors and patients get accurate answers faster.

As labs grow more complex and digital, the LIS market continues to evolve with smarter integrations, automation, and analytics. Below is a closer look at ten leading LIS providers in 2025—starting with NovoPath—and what makes each one worth considering.

NovoPath

NovoPath remains one of the most respected names in laboratory information management, especially for anatomic pathology and oncology. Its NovoPath 360 platform helps labs track every step of a case—from specimen receipt to final report—with clear visibility and automation.

What sets NovoPath apart is how it ties precision diagnostics with real operational data. It integrates seamlessly with digital pathology systems, EHRs, and billing tools, allowing labs to focus on quality over paperwork. The platform’s reporting engine is also one of the best in the industry, giving pathologists clear and customizable templates that meet compliance standards while saving time on administrative work.

Clinisys

Clinisys is a global leader that brings together multiple long-established LIS products under one umbrella. The company’s solutions are often used by healthcare systems that run multiple labs or departments and need everything to communicate effectively.

Labs choose Clinisys because of its strength in interoperability and its flexibility across testing disciplines—clinical chemistry, microbiology, genetics, and molecular diagnostics. It’s built for scale, helping organizations operate more consistently across regions while still maintaining data privacy and security. Clinisys also continues to expand its analytics suite, giving lab directors a better handle on efficiency and cost management.

Epic Beaker

Epic Beaker fits naturally within healthcare systems already running Epic for electronic health records. It pulls lab data directly into the same environment physicians use daily, creating a smoother experience for clinicians and patients alike.

Beaker excels in large hospital settings where communication between departments is key. It handles sample tracking, automates result distribution, and helps reduce turnaround time for common tests. Though it can take time to configure, the integration with Epic’s broader ecosystem often pays off in consistency and data visibility across the organization.

Oracle Health (Cerner PathNet)

PathNet, now part of Oracle Health’s portfolio, continues to be a solid option for hospitals and health systems managing high testing volumes. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to handle both clinical and anatomic pathology while connecting seamlessly with other Oracle modules.

Labs appreciate how PathNet supports configurable workflows and keeps instrument data synchronized in real time. Its flexibility makes it suitable for organizations that need an LIS capable of handling a wide range of specialties and lab types without having to rely on multiple vendors.

Orchard Software

Orchard Software’s platforms have become staples in hospitals, physician offices, and mid-sized labs. Orchard Harvest, its flagship product, offers an approachable interface that reduces the learning curve for staff.

The company’s focus on usability doesn’t come at the expense of power. Orchard’s software includes automated decision-support tools, customizable reports, and robust analytics. Many smaller and mid-sized labs value Orchard for its reliable support team and practical balance between cost and capability.

LabWare

LabWare stands out for its flexibility. It’s one of the few LIS providers that serves both clinical laboratories and industrial or pharmaceutical clients using the same adaptable framework.

For healthcare users, LabWare’s modular system allows labs to configure workflows exactly as they need. It integrates easily with instruments and external systems while maintaining high data security standards. Large organizations often choose LabWare because it can scale without sacrificing performance or compliance—ideal for networks with multiple testing locations.

Sunquest Information Systems

Sunquest has been a mainstay in laboratory informatics for decades and continues to evolve with new technology. It’s particularly well-regarded among hospital labs that require deep integration between departments.

Sunquest’s LIS offers solid support for microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and pathology, and it focuses heavily on maintaining audit trails and regulatory compliance. Labs often cite Sunquest’s reliability and interoperability as key benefits, allowing them to deliver consistent, accurate results under tight deadlines.

SCC Soft Computer

SCC Soft Computer caters to large and complex lab environments. Its systems are designed for speed, precision, and customization, serving many of the biggest hospital networks in the world.

The company’s products include specialized modules for blood bank operations, genetics, and molecular testing. SCC is known for its strong automation capabilities and ability to reduce manual entry. While it’s not a plug-and-play option, once configured, it provides one of the most comprehensive and high-performance LIS experiences available.

CGM LABDAQ

CGM LABDAQ, from CompuGroup Medical, has become a trusted option for physician office labs and regional testing centers. It’s known for being straightforward, dependable, and quick to implement.

LABDAQ supports a wide range of diagnostic testing and integrates with most EHR systems. The system’s clean interface makes it easy for staff to navigate, while its billing and quality management features help streamline administrative work. Many smaller labs turn to LABDAQ because it provides enterprise-level reliability without the steep learning curve or cost.

McKesson Horizon Lab (Maintained by Change Healthcare)

Horizon Lab is one of the older systems still in use, but it continues to serve many hospital-based labs effectively. Now maintained by Change Healthcare, the system remains valued for its stability and strong audit capabilities.

While it lacks some of the more modern features found in newer platforms, Horizon Lab’s reliability and familiarity keep it in use across many institutions. It integrates with a wide range of instruments and EHR systems, making it a practical choice for labs that prefer consistency over an expensive migration.

Choosing the Right LIS

Finding the best LIS isn’t about which platform ranks highest on paper—it’s about which one fits the specific needs of your lab. Smaller labs often prefer the simplicity and affordability of systems like Orchard or CGM LABDAQ, while large hospital networks may lean toward enterprise solutions like Clinisys, Epic Beaker, or Oracle Health. Pathology and oncology labs, on the other hand, tend to favor NovoPath for its specialty focus and attention to workflow precision.

Before committing, it’s worth considering not only current needs but also where your organization is headed. Growth, testing expansion, or a move toward digital pathology may influence which system makes the most sense long-term.

The Evolving Future of LIS

The laboratory technology space is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are beginning to assist with everything from image analysis to workload forecasting. Cloud-based hosting is replacing on-premise servers, making it easier for labs to access data securely from anywhere.

Vendors are also putting more focus on interoperability—making sure that results, billing, and patient data all flow together without friction. These innovations point toward a more connected, efficient, and patient-focused future for laboratory medicine.

Final Thoughts

Each of the systems listed here offers real value, but the right choice depends on your lab’s priorities. NovoPath continues to lead in specialty pathology, while platforms like Clinisys and Epic Beaker offer enterprise-level control and integration. Smaller systems like Orchard and LABDAQ deliver simplicity without sacrificing performance.

As laboratories navigate growing test volumes, tighter regulations, and rising patient expectations, choosing the right LIS will continue to shape how efficiently and accurately care is delivered. The best laboratory information system is ultimately the one that empowers your team to work smarter, not harder, while keeping patients at the center of every result.