Quick Overview
- 1#1: Epic Beaker - Integrated laboratory information system within the Epic EHR platform for managing clinical workflows, testing, and results reporting.
- 2#2: Cerner Millennium - Enterprise pathology and laboratory information system supporting high-volume clinical diagnostics and compliance.
- 3#3: Sunquest LIS - Advanced LIS for complex hospital and reference laboratories with robust middleware and analytics.
- 4#4: Orchard Harvest - Flexible, scalable LIS for anatomic, clinical, and molecular laboratory operations across diverse settings.
- 5#5: SCC SoftLab - Comprehensive LIS platform optimizing end-to-end lab processes from order entry to result delivery.
- 6#6: LigoLab LIS - Cloud-native operational LIS streamlining sample management, billing, and reporting for clinical labs.
- 7#7: Telcor LIS - Integrated LIS and revenue cycle management system for reference and physician office laboratories.
- 8#8: Psyche Systems LIS - Modular LIS tailored for clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and anatomic pathology.
- 9#9: NovoPath 360 - Anatomic pathology LIS with AI-driven workflows for case management and digital pathology.
- 10#10: CrelioHealth - Cloud-based LIMS for diagnostic labs automating sample tracking, quality control, and patient reporting.
We evaluated tools based on their functional breadth (including EHR integration, AI-driven workflows, and sample management), usability, compliance readiness, and overall value across diverse lab settings, ensuring the best options are highlighted for users with varied needs.
Comparison Table
Medical lab software is essential for optimizing efficiency, ensuring accuracy, and managing data, making it a cornerstone of modern healthcare operations. This comparison table breaks down tools like Epic Beaker, Cerner Millennium, Sunquest LIS, Orchard Harvest, SCC SoftLab, and others, highlighting their key features, integration strengths, and operational focus. Readers will gain clarity on which solution aligns best with their lab's size, specialty, and workflow needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epic Beaker Integrated laboratory information system within the Epic EHR platform for managing clinical workflows, testing, and results reporting. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Cerner Millennium Enterprise pathology and laboratory information system supporting high-volume clinical diagnostics and compliance. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Sunquest LIS Advanced LIS for complex hospital and reference laboratories with robust middleware and analytics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Orchard Harvest Flexible, scalable LIS for anatomic, clinical, and molecular laboratory operations across diverse settings. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | SCC SoftLab Comprehensive LIS platform optimizing end-to-end lab processes from order entry to result delivery. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | LigoLab LIS Cloud-native operational LIS streamlining sample management, billing, and reporting for clinical labs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Telcor LIS Integrated LIS and revenue cycle management system for reference and physician office laboratories. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Psyche Systems LIS Modular LIS tailored for clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and anatomic pathology. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | NovoPath 360 Anatomic pathology LIS with AI-driven workflows for case management and digital pathology. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | CrelioHealth Cloud-based LIMS for diagnostic labs automating sample tracking, quality control, and patient reporting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
Integrated laboratory information system within the Epic EHR platform for managing clinical workflows, testing, and results reporting.
Enterprise pathology and laboratory information system supporting high-volume clinical diagnostics and compliance.
Advanced LIS for complex hospital and reference laboratories with robust middleware and analytics.
Flexible, scalable LIS for anatomic, clinical, and molecular laboratory operations across diverse settings.
Comprehensive LIS platform optimizing end-to-end lab processes from order entry to result delivery.
Cloud-native operational LIS streamlining sample management, billing, and reporting for clinical labs.
Integrated LIS and revenue cycle management system for reference and physician office laboratories.
Modular LIS tailored for clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and anatomic pathology.
Anatomic pathology LIS with AI-driven workflows for case management and digital pathology.
Cloud-based LIMS for diagnostic labs automating sample tracking, quality control, and patient reporting.
Epic Beaker
enterpriseIntegrated laboratory information system within the Epic EHR platform for managing clinical workflows, testing, and results reporting.
Native, bidirectional integration with Epic EHR for real-time order-to-result workflows without middleware.
Epic Beaker is a leading laboratory information system (LIS) from Epic Systems, designed to manage end-to-end lab workflows including clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, anatomic pathology, blood banking, and molecular diagnostics. It excels in high-volume environments by automating specimen collection, processing, testing, verification, and result reporting with robust instrument interfacing. Seamlessly integrated with Epic's flagship EHR, Beaker ensures unified patient data across the enterprise, reducing errors and improving turnaround times.
Pros
- Unmatched integration with Epic EHR for seamless data flow
- Comprehensive support for all lab disciplines and high scalability
- Advanced analytics, rules engine, and compliance tools for regulatory adherence
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation (often 1-2 years)
- High upfront and ongoing costs suited only for large enterprises
- Limited flexibility for smaller labs without full Epic ecosystem
Best For
Large hospitals, health systems, and academic medical centers needing an enterprise-grade LIS fully integrated with their EHR.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; typically $1M+ initial implementation plus annual fees based on modules, users, and volume (non-public pricing).
Cerner Millennium
enterpriseEnterprise pathology and laboratory information system supporting high-volume clinical diagnostics and compliance.
Millennium's open architecture with FHIR-enabled interoperability for real-time data exchange across disparate healthcare systems
Cerner Millennium is an enterprise-grade electronic health record (EHR) system with comprehensive laboratory information system (LIS) capabilities via modules like PathNet for clinical labs and CoPathPlus for anatomic pathology. It manages the full lab lifecycle, from test ordering and specimen tracking to result verification, reporting, and integration with clinical workflows. The platform supports high-volume testing, regulatory compliance (e.g., CLIA, HIPAA), and advanced analytics for operational efficiency in complex healthcare environments.
Pros
- Seamless integration with EHR, pharmacy, and radiology systems for unified workflows
- Robust compliance tools and audit trails for regulatory adherence
- Scalable analytics and AI-driven insights for lab optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation (often 12-24 months)
- High upfront and ongoing costs unsuitable for small labs
- Customization requires significant IT resources
Best For
Large hospitals, health systems, and academic medical centers with high-volume, multi-site lab operations requiring enterprise integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; implementation often exceeds $1M+ with per-user/per-bed subscription fees starting at $100-300/month.
Sunquest LIS
enterpriseAdvanced LIS for complex hospital and reference laboratories with robust middleware and analytics.
Unified platform seamlessly integrating clinical LIS, anatomic pathology, and blood bank modules for holistic lab operations
Sunquest LIS is a robust laboratory information system (LIS) from Sunquest Information Systems, designed for managing end-to-end workflows in clinical, anatomic pathology, molecular diagnostics, and blood bank laboratories. It handles specimen collection, processing, testing, quality control, and result reporting with strong integration to lab instruments, EHRs, and middleware. Widely used in high-volume hospital and reference labs, it ensures compliance with regulatory standards like HIPAA and CLIA.
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage of multiple lab disciplines including clinical, AP, and molecular testing
- Excellent scalability and integration with analyzers, EHRs, and billing systems
- Proven reliability and uptime in high-volume enterprise environments
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- Outdated user interface compared to modern cloud-native LIS solutions
- High upfront and ongoing costs for customization and support
Best For
Large hospital laboratories or reference labs requiring scalable, multi-discipline workflow management with deep integrations.
Pricing
Enterprise custom pricing; typically $500K+ initial implementation plus annual maintenance fees scaling with lab size and modules.
Orchard Harvest
enterpriseFlexible, scalable LIS for anatomic, clinical, and molecular laboratory operations across diverse settings.
Harvest Rules Engine for highly customizable, logic-driven automation of lab processes
Orchard Harvest is a robust Laboratory Information System (LIS) designed for clinical laboratories, managing the full workflow from specimen collection and order entry to result verification and reporting. It excels in high-volume testing environments with seamless integration to analyzers, EHRs, and billing systems. The software supports anatomic pathology, molecular diagnostics, and compliance with standards like CLIA and HIPAA through customizable rules and audit trails.
Pros
- Extensive bidirectional interfaces with 1000+ instruments and EHRs
- Powerful rules engine for workflow automation and quality control
- Scalable architecture suitable for small to enterprise-level labs
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High upfront implementation and customization costs
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large clinical laboratories needing advanced integration and automation for high-throughput testing.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing based on lab size, modules, and users; typically $10,000+ annually plus implementation fees—contact vendor for quote.
SCC SoftLab
enterpriseComprehensive LIS platform optimizing end-to-end lab processes from order entry to result delivery.
Powerful rules-based engine for customizable workflows, quality assurance, and automated result review
SCC SoftLab is a comprehensive laboratory information system (LIS) from Soft Computer Consultants, designed for clinical laboratories to manage the full spectrum of lab operations. It handles everything from patient registration and order entry to specimen tracking, instrument interfacing, result validation, and reporting. The software supports multiple lab disciplines including chemistry, hematology, microbiology, blood bank, and anatomic pathology, with strong emphasis on regulatory compliance like HIPAA and CLIA.
Pros
- Extensive integration with lab instruments and EMR/EHR systems
- Highly scalable for small to enterprise-level labs
- Robust compliance and quality control tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Interface can feel outdated compared to modern cloud-native solutions
- Custom pricing often leads to higher costs for smaller labs
Best For
Mid-to-large clinical laboratories needing a reliable, feature-rich LIS with deep instrument integration and workflow customization.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and deployment (on-premise or hosted).
LigoLab LIS
specializedCloud-native operational LIS streamlining sample management, billing, and reporting for clinical labs.
Infusion One unified platform that embeds revenue cycle management directly into LIS workflows
LigoLab LIS is a cloud-based Laboratory Information System (LIS) that provides end-to-end management for clinical, anatomic pathology, and molecular labs, including specimen tracking, workflow automation, and result reporting. It stands out with its Infusion platform, which integrates LIS with revenue cycle management (RCM) and client outreach functionalities. Designed for scalability, it supports high-volume labs with AI-driven insights, compliance tools, and seamless EHR/instrument integrations.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end platform unifying LIS, RCM, and outreach
- Robust integrations with EHRs, analyzers, and billing systems
- Scalable cloud architecture with AI-powered analytics and automation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Enterprise-level pricing may deter smaller labs
- Limited public transparency on implementation timelines
Best For
Mid-to-large medical labs seeking an integrated LIS-RCM solution for high-volume operations and revenue optimization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on modules and volume; typically starts at $10,000+/month for full suite with quotes required.
Telcor LIS
specializedIntegrated LIS and revenue cycle management system for reference and physician office laboratories.
Integrated revenue cycle management with automated billing, claims scrubbing, and denial management tailored for lab-specific reimbursement challenges.
Telcor LIS is a comprehensive laboratory information system (LIS) tailored for clinical, anatomic pathology, blood bank, and molecular labs, managing workflows from order entry and specimen accessioning to result verification, reporting, and billing. It excels in integrating with over 200 analyzers, EHRs, and practice management systems via HL7 and other standards, supporting high-volume testing and regulatory compliance. The platform also includes outreach modules for client billing and patient portals, making it suitable for labs focused on efficiency and revenue optimization.
Pros
- Robust integration with 200+ instruments and EHRs
- Advanced revenue cycle management and billing automation
- Scalable modules for clinical, AP, blood bank, and outreach
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS LIS
- Implementation can take 6-12 months with high upfront costs
Best For
Mid-sized clinical laboratories needing strong instrument integration, compliance tools, and integrated billing for revenue optimization.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $10,000-$50,000 annually for small to mid-sized labs, scaling with users, volume, and modules; includes implementation fees.
Psyche Systems LIS
specializedModular LIS tailored for clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and anatomic pathology.
Unified platform supporting seamless workflows across clinical chemistry, anatomic pathology, and molecular testing in one system
Psyche Systems LIS (Prolis) is a comprehensive laboratory information system designed for clinical labs, anatomic pathology, molecular diagnostics, and reference laboratories. It manages the full lab workflow, from specimen collection and order entry to result reporting, quality control, and billing. The platform ensures HIPAA and CLIA compliance while offering robust integrations with EHRs, analyzers, and practice management systems.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows for diverse lab types including clinical, AP, and molecular
- Strong integration capabilities with major EHRs and lab instruments
- Reliable compliance tools and audit trails for regulatory adherence
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for small labs with custom implementation costs
- User interface shows signs of age in some modules despite web-based access
Best For
Mid-sized to large clinical and reference laboratories needing scalable, compliant LIS with multi-discipline support.
Pricing
Custom pricing via quote; subscription-based SaaS model starting at approximately $5,000/month for mid-sized labs, plus implementation fees.
NovoPath 360
specializedAnatomic pathology LIS with AI-driven workflows for case management and digital pathology.
360 Voice Pathology Cockpit for hands-free dictation, navigation, and multimedia reporting
NovoPath 360 is a comprehensive anatomic pathology laboratory information system (AP-LIS) designed to manage end-to-end workflows in pathology labs, from accessioning and grossing to sign-out and reporting. It supports digital pathology integration, including whole-slide imaging, automated workflows, and compliance with CAP, CLIA, and synoptic reporting standards. The platform emphasizes scalability for high-volume labs with features like multimedia case folders and EMR/HIS integrations.
Pros
- Robust digital pathology integration with whole-slide imaging and scanners
- Advanced workflow automation and customizable synoptic reporting
- Strong compliance tools and EMR interoperability
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full customization
- Higher pricing may deter small labs
- Occasional reports of integration setup delays
Best For
Medium to large anatomic pathology labs handling complex, high-volume cases with a need for digital pathology workflows.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; modular subscriptions start around $10,000-$50,000 annually depending on users and features.
CrelioHealth
specializedCloud-based LIMS for diagnostic labs automating sample tracking, quality control, and patient reporting.
Dedicated phlebotomy mobile app for GPS-tracked home sample collection and real-time status updates.
CrelioHealth is a cloud-based Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) tailored for diagnostic labs, pathology centers, and hospitals, automating workflows from patient registration and sample collection to testing, quality control, and report delivery. It supports multi-location operations with real-time inventory management, billing integration, and advanced analytics for business insights. The platform emphasizes seamless integrations with EMRs, HIS, and payment gateways via HL7 and FHIR standards.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end lab automation with barcode tracking and QC modules
- Strong mobile app for phlebotomists enabling home collections
- Robust integrations and scalability for multi-branch labs
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical staff
- Pricing lacks transparency and can escalate with add-ons
- Primarily optimized for Indian regulatory compliance, less flexible globally
Best For
Medium to large diagnostic lab chains and pathology networks needing scalable automation and mobile field support.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; modular subscriptions starting around $50/user/month for basics, scaling to enterprise plans.
Conclusion
The reviewed lab software tools demonstrate excellence in optimizing lab operations, with Epic Beaker leading as the top choice, thanks to its integration within a comprehensive EHR platform that streamlines clinical workflows. Cerner Millennium and Sunquest LIS stand out as strong alternatives, offering tailored solutions for high-volume diagnostics and complex lab environments, respectively.
Explore Epic Beaker to experience its integrated efficiency—your lab’s path to enhanced productivity and improved result accuracy starts here
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison