Global Health Laboratory Data Systems

Laboratory data systems can improve testing quality and turnaround time and allow for more effective use of laboratory data by surveillance and clinical programs. APHL supports the evaluation, design and implementation of digital solutions for more efficient management of laboratory processes.

Informatics Fact Sheet

Questions?

Contact the Global Health team: [email protected]

About Laboratory Data Systems

Digital laboratory data systems, sometimes referred to as informatics, enable the efficient capture, coding, transport and exchange of data, which can improve laboratory data integration, interoperability, visualization, centralization and standardization. Being able to quickly communicate testing requests and results, for example, can allow surveillance and clinical programs to use laboratory data to inform decision making around public health and patient or clinical health. By increasing the availability of data and modernizing data systems and related processes at all levels, countries are better able to respond to outbreaks, prepare for future pandemics and improve surveillance capacity.

APHL’S ROLE

Supporting Laboratory Data Systems Worldwide

Since 2005, APHL has supported laboratory data systems projects at a wide range of international laboratories—from clinical to public health, small district laboratories to national reference and public health laboratories—in more than 30 countries. APHL provides services that support the core needs of laboratories, including specimen collection and referral, data automation, electronic laboratory reporting, and system integration with clinical and surveillance systems for decision making.

APHL is a key laboratory partner in the recent data modernization initiative both in the United States and globally. APHL uses the evolution of public health laboratory data systems in the US as a roadmap to chart possible paths for other countries.

WHAT WE OFFER

Our Laboratory Data Systems Capabilities

Download a high-level summary of our global data system capabilities:

LIMS

APHL collaborates with ministries of health (MOHs) to optimize or enable selection of a new Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), and executes LIMS implementation, training and support.

Electronic Sample Referral Network

APHL provides electronic capture of test orders at point of specimen collection.

Centralized Laboratory Data Storage

APHL implements central lab data repositories for data storage, transfer and visualization.

Reporting and Data Visualization

APHL guides MOHs on how to use dashboards and graphics to display close-to-real-time outbreak trends.

Data Integration

APHL provides technical assistance to ensure laboratory systems and instruments can “talk” to each other.

Data Standardization

APHL trains MOH staff on health data standards and assists with the implementation of resources such as LOINC, HL7 and FHIR.

Mapping Laboratory Capacity

APHL captures and analyzes capacity data to inform resource allocation, staffing, sample collection, testing strategy, and preparedness and response.

Data Management for Proficiency Testing

APHL works with national reference laboratories to develop proficiency testing (PT) systems for the laboratories in their networks.

Workforce Development

APHL creates resources that laboratory staff can use to build their informatics skills, such as competency assessment tools, e-learning modules and webinars.

DATA SYSTEMS IN ACTION