US software vendor Sunquest has been named as the preferred supplier to replace the 30-year-old Auslab laboratory information system used by Pathology Queensland, but in an unusual move has been asked to build a prototype system for testing before a contract for a full roll-out is signed next year.

Queensland Health went to tender for the system in June last year, asking for a modern system that could handle forensic pathology and public and environmental health as well as the pathology needs of all public hospitals. The price tag is estimated to be between $50 million and $100 million.