Built on our CoreLab 
technology, PLS seamlessly integrates all disciplines of Pathology together into one package, giving you everything you need in one product.
Our PLS team holds decades of experience in pathology, which means we know how best to support you. Feel empowered to adapt to pathology changes with minimal effort with a customised solution to suit your specific workflow.
Your partner in business growth and innovative diagnostic care
Total billing
All your billing in one place, without the need for integrations.
Core Lab technology
Everything you need to perform outstanding diagnostic care in pathology.
Isolate and Sensitivity Module
Store granular data for use by infectious disease, infection control and epidemiology personnel.
One central hub
Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of one piece of software, for multiple pathology disciplines and functions.
PLS workflow
PLS gives you the support you need at every stage of the testing process. Save time and energy by seeing everything you need all in one place.
Read more about each step
1
Orders
- Manage patient info
- Accept eOrder HL7 messages
- Automate requests via integrations
- Manage results
2
Specimen reception
- Workflow management tools (Daybooks, Smart and Entry Worklists)
- Lab instrument interfaces
- Facilitate specimen transfers
3
Automation
- Specimen tracking system
- Auto-flag abnormal results
- Integrated with Vantage
- Patient Tracking and Workflow Solutions
4
Discipline specific testing
- Haematology
- Anatomical pathology
- Cytology and cytogenetics
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Blood bank
5
Report delivery
- CIS web portal
- Results sent to referrer
- Customisable levels of access for different users
6
Analytics
- Clinical documentation tool
- Easy-to-understand reports
- Identify growth opportunities
- Key metrics and trends
7
AUS billing
- Total billing, no need for integrations
- Maximise revenue with minimal claim rejections
- Automated Medicare and Eclipse payments (pathology specific)
- Non-Medicare payment options
Key features
Laboratory analysers and instrumentation
PLS provides interfacing protocols such as ASTM, HL7 and FHIR to connect to any instrument that has the capacity to send data.
3rd party integrations
PLS has been interfaced with most of the 3rd party systems in Australia and is equipped with tools to easily connect with new players.
Transfusion Pathology
Explore extended functionality that includes the management of blood bags and other blood products.
Key features
Laboratory analysers and instrumentation
PLS provides interfacing protocols such as ASTM, HL7 and FHIR to connect to any instrument that has the capacity to send data.
3rd party integrations
PLS has been interfaced with most of the 3rd party systems in Australia and is equipped with tools to easily connect with new players.
Transfusion Pathology
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about PLS or want to learn more about how to boost your workflow? Check out our FAQs.
What is PLS?
PLS is Kestral’s Pathology Laboratory System, a fully integrated laboratory information system designed for public and private pathology laboratories across Australia. It manages multiple pathology disciplines within a single platform, covering sample management, result processing, reporting, billing and instrumentation interfacing. PLS scales from single departments through to full local health districts and state hospital networks.
Which pathology disciplines does PLS support?
PLS supports the full range of pathology disciplines including biochemistry, haematology, microbiology, anatomical pathology, immunology and transfusion medicine. The Transfusion Pathology module includes extended functionality for managing blood bags and blood products. All disciplines are managed within a single platform, so laboratory staff work from one system across every function rather than switching between separate applications.
How does PLS integrate with laboratory instruments and third-party systems?
PLS supports interfacing protocols including ASTM, HL7 and FHIR, enabling connection with any laboratory instrument that has the capacity to send data. PLS has been interfaced with the majority of third-party systems in active use across Australian pathology laboratories and includes tools to connect with new systems as they are introduced. Kestral manages integrations directly, without requiring a separate middleware layer.
How is PLS hosted?
PLS can be hosted on-premise, in an offsite data centre or via cloud technology. Kestral works with each laboratory to identify the hosting arrangement that fits its infrastructure, security requirements and operational environment. All three options are supported with the same standard of technical access, allowing Kestral to provide direct remote support, perform upgrades and maintain data integrity regardless of hosting model.
What billing functionality does PLS include?
PLS includes integrated billing across all pathology disciplines, managed within the same platform as the laboratory workflow rather than through a separate system or third-party integration. Billing data is tied directly to test requests, results and patient records, reducing the manual reconciliation work that comes from disconnected billing systems. PLS billing is designed for the Australian pathology billing environment including Medicare and DVA.
How does PLS handle data security and patient privacy?
PLS is designed for the security requirements of Australian public hospital environments, where the integrity of patient data and the reliability of system access are primary concerns. Kestral connects to PLS installations via a secure remote connection that allows direct technical support, upgrades and maintenance without compromising data security. All sensitive patient data remains within the laboratory’s controlled environment at all times.
How long has Kestral's PLS been in use in Australian pathology?
Kestral’s PLS has been in active development since the mid-1980s. Royal Hobart Hospital Pathology Services has been a customer since 1994 and is among the longest-running PLS installations in Australia. Over four decades, PLS has been developed in active partnership with the pathology departments using it, with configuration controlled at the local level so laboratories can implement new features and resolve the majority of operational issues without escalating to the vendor.
What support does Kestral provide for PLS customers?
Kestral provides 24/7 phone and ticket-based support for PLS customers across Australia. For critical issues, the support line is available at 1300 537 8725. For anything else that’s not as urgent, you can jump on our support page or get in touch with our friendly customer service team. The Kestral PLS support team has decades of pathology experience and understands the operational context of laboratory environments, not just the software. Kestral can connect directly to PLS installations to provide technical support, perform upgrades and carry out maintenance remotely.
Healthcare doesn’t clock off at 5pm – neither do we.
Our friendly support staff are available 24/7 to troubleshoot issues, answer questions and provide help, when you need it most.