Project Highlights

• Implementation of barcode sample-tracking: from receipt of specimen through processing to result release, to reduce mis-identification, ensure traceability, manage sample logistics.
• Integration of instruments and automation: allowing data from analysers and molecular platforms to flow into LIS directly, reducing manual data entry, accelerating result generation.
• Web-based or remote access capability: authorised users (lab staff, public-health officials) can view results/dashboards in real time, which supports rapid public-health decision-making.
• Surveillance data linkage and analytics: The system supports export of standardized laboratory results into EODY’s surveillance networks (e.g., antimicrobial resistance, genomic surveillance, water/food safety) which EODY coordinates.
• Quality control and accreditation readiness: The LIS supports QC modules (trend-charts, alerts), audit logs, and reporting capabilities that align with quality standards.
• Enhanced productivity: By automating workflows and data entry, labs free up staff for higher-value work (interpretation, research, epidemiological follow-up).
• Scalable architecture: The system design anticipates future expansion (e.g., additional regional labs, new test types, network scale-up) and supports growth of EODY’s public-health laboratory network.
• Interoperability & standardisation: The project promotes use of standard terminologies (LOINC, SNOMED) and interfacing via HL7/API to ensure consistent data flow across systems, improving data quality and comparability.

Benefits

Operational Benefits

• Faster turnaround times: Automated workflows, direct instrument data capture and streamlined sample routing reduce the time from sample receipt to result, enabling timely public‐health responses.
• Reduced error rates: Sample bar-coding, automated data entry and audit trails minimise human error (mis-labels, manual transcription) and increase traceability.
• Increased staff productivity: Lab personnel spend less time on manual‐routine tasks and more on analytical, interpretive, or surveillance-oriented work.
• Resource optimisation: Better tracking of reagents, instrument usage, sample throughput leads to cost-savings and reduced wastage.
• Scalability & future-proofing: As EODY expands its network and adds new tests (e.g., genomic, environmental), the LIS can support this growth without major system overhaul.

Quality & Compliance Benefits

• Improved data integrity & auditability: Complete audit trails, controlled user‐access, and data logs support internal/external audits and accreditation processes.
• Better quality control management: Real-time QC alerts and trend monitoring help maintain high standards and support conforming to ISO/EN laboratory standards.
• Standardised data across network: Using the same LIS and terminologies across central and regional labs leads to consistent, comparable results and easier aggregation for surveillance.

Public Health & Strategic Benefits

• Enhanced surveillance capabilities: EODY can rapidly access and analyse laboratory data from across its network to detect outbreaks, emerging resistant organisms, environmental threats, or unusual patterns.
• Improved decision-making: Faster, reliable lab data supports more informed public‐health policy, resource allocation, emergency response (e.g., environmental event, infectious outbreak) and supports EODY’s mission.
• Data‐driven insights: Use of analytics dashboards enables trend detection (e.g., rising resistance, new pathogen emergence, environmental contamination), enabling proactive public‐health measures.
• Networked collaboration: The digital system fosters better collaboration between central and regional labs, hospitals, surveillance entities, and international partners (EU, WHO) through standardised data flows.
• Cost avoidance & sustainability: While upfront investment is required, in medium/long term the efficiencies, error reduction, fewer repeat tests, manpower savings and improved public-health response may result in cost savings and better public-health outcomes.
• Public trust and transparency: Reliable laboratory information systems and timely reporting can enhance public confidence in the public-health system and support transparency.

Summary

The deployment of LAB (Laboratory Information System) by EODY is a foundational step in modernising public-health laboratory services in Greece. It aligns operational performance, quality management, and strategic public-health objectives. 

By integrating sample workflows, instrument data, surveillance linkage and analytics, the system empowers EODY to fulfil its mandate more effectively: detecting, responding to and preventing public-health threats.