European Laboratory Information Systems Market

The classic laboratory information system (LIS), designed as a multi-functional system to support hospital laboratory activities with emphasis on work and specimen flow for hospital inpatients and outpatients, has been dominant in clinical laboratories for more than three decades. This has led to 90-95% market penetration levels for LIS software.

According to Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA), an international consulting firm, the European laboratory information systems market earned revenues of U.S.$153.7 million in 2005 and is estimated to reach U.S.$218.1 million in 2012.

Hospital laboratories are changing rapidly with greater emphasis on point-of-care and outreach testing, working in tandem with other automated systems in the hospital. Across Europe, almost half of the hospitals have a dedicated laboratory system. Vendors have therefore seen this as an opportunity to persuade hospitals of the benefits of an integrated hospital-wide system using the LIS as a selling tool.

"For many hospitals, the changes in LIS are related to a drive to connect together various hospital departments and departmental software,” explained Frost & Sullivan industry analyst Konstantinos Nikolopoulos. "Clinicians want to be able to enter data into electronic records and they want to both import and export data from electronic medical records [EMR] and hospital information systems [HIS] to LIS and vice-versa.”

Past trends have indicated that customers do not switch over to new vendors very easily, either due to financial considerations or simply to avoid the process of implementing new systems. "Market participants will need to show increased visibility in such a competitive environment,” advises Mr. Nikolopoulos. "Attendance and participation in trade shows and other industry-wide events can build company awareness, while the ability to highlight product capabilities and features in test/pilot sites can be an additional step in the same direction.”




Related Links:
Frost & Sullivan