Supporting Laboratory Informatics Worldwide​

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APHL supports countries in the evaluation, design and implementation of digital solutions for more efficient management of laboratory processes. Since 2005, APHL has supported informatics 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 informatics in the US as a roadmap to chart possible paths for other countries. 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.

Find more information about the program and resources for implementing and sustaining global informatics initiatives below.


APHL Informatics 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 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.


Informatics Resources