The verdict in three sentences
A multi-site medical laboratory that wants a LIS (laboratory information system) and a results portal pays between 20,000 and 50,000 EUR excl. tax for the secure portal, and 3,000 to 8,000 EUR per analyzer for HL7 interfacing. The budget-busting line is not the software but the number of analyzers to interface and multi-site sample management. Expect around 4 months for a full scope including data migration.
Off-the-shelf LIS or custom modules
An off-the-shelf LIS covers standard biology but is expensive in per-seat licenses and adapts poorly to atypical multi-site organizations. Custom modules (results portal, sample management) plug into your existing setup and belong to you.
| Criterion | Off-the-shelf LIS | Custom modules |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 15,000 to 60,000 EUR (licenses) | 20,000 to 50,000 EUR excl. tax |
| Recurring cost | 200 to 600 EUR/seat/year | 300 to 800 EUR/month (hosting + maintenance) |
| Analyzer interfacing | Often optional | 3,000 to 8,000 EUR/analyzer |
| Patient results portal | Basic | Custom, your brand |
| Multi-site | Depends on license | Native |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
HL7 interfacing and cost per analyzer
The HL7 standard lets analyzers transmit results automatically to the system. Each analyzer type needs a connector, so cost grows with the fleet.
| Item | 2026 range (EUR excl. tax) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Secure results portal | 20,000 to 50,000 | Build |
| HL7 interfacing per analyzer | 3,000 to 8,000 | Build/analyzer |
| Multi-site sample management | 10,000 to 25,000 | Build |
| Historical data migration | 5,000 to 15,000 | Project |
| Hosting (HDS if health data) | 300 to 900 EUR/month | Recurring |
| Evolutive maintenance | 12 to 18% of build/year | Recurring |
Mini case study
Mr Sy, director of a 3-site lab with 6 analyzers, wants to eliminate double entry of results. Today, 2 technicians spend 3 h/day re-keying, i.e. 6 h x 22 days = 132 h/month at a loaded cost of 18 EUR/h = 2,376 EUR/month. A results portal at 35,000 EUR + HL7 interfacing of the 6 analyzers at 5,000 EUR each (30,000 EUR) comes to 65,000 EUR. Automation removes re-keying: the investment is paid back in about 27 months on labor alone, before counting fewer errors and 24/7 results access for patients.
FAQ
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How much does a secure results portal cost?
Between 20,000 and 50,000 EUR excl. tax custom-built depending on volume, brand and features (notifications, signed PDF download, history). Hosting is added monthly.
Why is HL7 interfacing billed per analyzer?
Because each analyzer type has its own protocol and connector. Budget 3,000 to 8,000 EUR per machine, a line often underestimated.
Is an off-the-shelf LIS enough?
For standard single-site biology, yes. For atypical multi-site setups or a branded portal, custom modules fit better and belong to you.
Are results data considered health data?
Yes: they require secure hosting (HDS in France), traced access and encryption. It is a recurring line to factor in from the quote.
What is the timeline for a full project?
Around 4 months for portal + interfacing + data migration, depending on the number of analyzers and sites. Initial scoping drives on-time delivery.
Let's scope your project. Send us the number of sites, analyzers to interface and your target features (portal, samples): we will price the LIS project or custom modules with budget and timeline. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
