LIMS Analyzer Interfacing - hmislk/hmis GitHub Wiki
Analyzer Interfacing
The LIMS supports bi-directional communication with laboratory analyzers — the system sends pending test orders to the analyzer, and the analyzer returns results automatically. This article explains how analyzer interfacing works, which protocols are supported, which analyzers are currently integrated, and what bi-directional communication means in practice.
How Analyzer Interfacing Works
HMIS LIMS
↕ (REST API)
Middleware (standalone software on a local server or PC)
↕ (HL7 / ASTM over TCP/IP or serial)
Analyzer
- The lab technician places a sample on the analyzer. The sample container carries a barcode sticker printed by the LIMS.
- The analyzer scans the barcode and sends a query to the middleware asking "What tests should I run for this barcode?"
- The middleware forwards the query to the LIMS. The LIMS returns the list of pending tests for that sample.
- The analyzer runs the tests and sends the results back to the middleware.
- The middleware forwards the results to the LIMS, which writes them into the patient's report.
- The MLT opens the report and sees the results already populated, ready for review and approval.
This bi-directional flow eliminates manual test-code entry on the analyzer and manual result transcription into the LIMS — both major sources of error in laboratory workflows.
Supported Protocols
| Protocol | Description | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| HL7 OUL^R22 | HL7 v2.x Observation Unsolicited Laboratory Results | Most modern analyzers |
| HL7 QBP^Q11 | HL7 v2.x Query by Parameter (test order request) | Bi-directional query for test orders |
| ASTM E1381 / E1394 | American Standard Testing Materials — legacy serial/TCP protocol | Older analyzers (Dimension, Selectra, BioRad D-10, etc.) |
Any analyzer that comes with an interfacing manual (HL7 or ASTM) can be integrated. Contact the HMIS support team if your analyzer model is not yet in the supported list.
Currently Integrated Analyzers
Haematology
| Analyzer | Protocol | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Sysmex XS Series (XS-500i, XS-800i, XS-1000i) | ASTM / HL7 | Bi-directional |
| Mindray BC-5150 | HL7 | Bi-directional |
| Swelab Lumi | HL7 | Bi-directional |
| HumaCount 5D | HL7 | Bi-directional |
| Celltac MEK | ASTM | Result only |
Clinical Chemistry
| Analyzer | Protocol | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension ExL / RxL / Xpand | ASTM | Bi-directional |
| Gallery Indiko | HL7 | Bi-directional |
| IndikoPlus | HL7 | Bi-directional |
| SmartLyte Plus | HL7 | Bi-directional |
| HumaStar 600 | HL7 | Bi-directional |
| XL-200 | HL7 | Bi-directional |
| HumaLyte | ASTM | Bi-directional |
| Selectra Pro XL | ASTM | Bi-directional |
Immunoassay / Specialty
| Analyzer | Protocol | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Maglumi X3 HL7 | HL7 OUL_R22 | Bi-directional |
| Mindray CL-1000i | HL7 | Bi-directional |
| BioRad D-10 (HbA1c) | ASTM | Result only |
| TOSOH AIA-360 | ASTM | Bi-directional |
| BA 400 | HL7 | Bi-directional |
Analyzers Not Supporting Interfacing
The following analyzers do not provide an interfacing manual and cannot be automated:
- Nihon Kohden Celltak Haematology Analyzers (MEK-6400, MEK-6410, MEK-6420)
Results from these instruments must be entered manually.
Setting Up Analyzer Interfacing
- Register the analyzer as a Machine in the LIMS. See Machine Setup.
- Install and configure the middleware. See Analyzer Middleware.
- Map each result parameter to the analyzer. See Analyzer Automation Mapping.
- Test the integration by running a known sample and confirming results appear in the LIMS.
Bi-Directional vs. Result-Only
| Mode | What it means |
|---|---|
| Bi-directional | LIMS sends test orders to the analyzer; analyzer sends results back. The operator does not need to manually enter test codes on the analyzer. |
| Result only (one-way) | The analyzer sends results to the LIMS, but the LIMS does not send test orders. The operator manually selects tests on the analyzer panel. |
Bi-directional mode is strongly preferred as it eliminates the risk of running the wrong test.