Authors (including presenting author) :
Leung GKC(1), Chu KC(2), Lam H(2), Chan YP(1), Wong KK(2), Cheng W(2) and Cheng THT(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Division of Genetic and Genomic Pathology, Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital
(2)Kowloon Central Cluster Information Technology Division
Keyword 3: :
Information System
Keyword 4: :
Mitigate Risks
Keyword 6: :
Workflow Traceability
Introduction :
The Hospital Authority Laboratory Information System (HA-LIS) offers a robust interface for managing high-volume clinical tests. However, it lacks the ability to record familial data or provide integrated genetic test overviews, both of which are critical for hereditary disease analysis and longitudinal monitoring of somatic malignancies across pathology disciplines. In addition, laboratories often rely on a separate system to capture test-related information for genetic tests, which are complex and involve numerous manual steps.
Objectives :
We aim to develop a tailored LIS for the Genetic and Genomic Laboratory, Department of Pathology at HKCH. The proposed system is designed to record information related to genetic test requests, from sample reception to result entry. Our goal is to enhance automation, strengthen data connectivity, and improve workflow traceability, thereby mitigating operational risks and streamlining laboratory operations.
Methodology :
The Genetic Laboratory Information Management System (GLIMS) was developed to support analytical workflows. The system retrieves data directly from inpatient and outpatient administration systems (iPAS/oPAS), minimizing typographical errors. It enables users to record the phenotypes and genotype status of familial relatives according to clinical indications and laboratory findings. A three-layer hierarchical structure was implemented to capture laboratory information at the levels of patient, sample, and test. These layers are interconnected to ensure consistency while maintaining layer-specific details for laboratory processes. Additional features, such as predefined test-related options, were incorporated to reduce manual data entry and mitigate human errors. Audit trails were integrated to facilitate monitoring of data flow and accuracy.
Result & Outcome :
GLIMS has been implemented in the Genetic and Genomic Laboratory since last year. Its integrated features demonstrate the system as a robust and adaptable solution tailored to clinical genetic laboratories. The system has adopted a well-structured set of information layers for genetic tests across multiple pathology disciplines. It allows users to effectively oversee analytical workflows, creating the potential for higher‑volume genetic testing with minimal error risk. The project has established a strong foundation for a scalable framework, potentially supporting cross‑talk between hospitals and enabling broader genetic applications.
