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The laboratory module handles all diagnostic tests ordered by doctors - blood tests, urine tests, cultures, and other investigations. It tracks every step from when the sample is collected to when the result is approved and shared with the patient and the ordering doctor.

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Before You Start

  • Lab Test Templates must be set up for each test type your lab processes.
  • Lab Test Samples must be configured (blood, urine, swab, etc.).
  • The Laboratory User role is needed to create and update lab tests.
  • The LabTest Approver role is needed to approve and release results.

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The Lab Test Lifecycle

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Step 1: When a Lab Test is Ordered

When a doctor includes a lab test in a Patient Encounter, the system can automatically create a Lab Test record for each ordered test (if “Submit Orders on Save” is on). Alternatively, the lab team creates it manually.

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Step 2: Sample Collection

Before the test can be processed, the sample must be collected from the patient.
  1. Go to Healthcare workspace → Laboratory card → Sample Collection → New
  2. Fill in the fields:
  1. Save and Submit
The sample collection is now linked to the lab test and shows in the patient’s history.

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Step 3: Entering Test Results

Once the sample has been processed, the lab technician enters the results.
  1. Go to Healthcare workspace → Laboratory card → Lab Test (find the pending test)
  2. Open the lab test record
  3. Scroll to the results table (Normal Test Result)
Lab Test form showing patient details at top, result date, lab technician name, and the normal test result table with parameter, result, normal range, and units columns
  1. For each test parameter, enter:
  1. Fill in the Lab Technician (Employee) and Result Date
  2. Save

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Step 4: Approving Results (If Required)

If “Do not print or email Lab Tests without Approval” is on in Healthcare Settings, the Lab Approver must review and approve results before they are released.
  1. Go to Lab Test → open the test needing approval
  2. Review all parameter results for accuracy and completeness
  3. Check any abnormal values (results outside the normal range) are flagged or noted
  4. Click Submit (this approves and finalizes the record)
The Approved Date fills in automatically.

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Printing and Emailing Results

Once the lab test is submitted (approved), the result can be shared:
  • Print: open the Lab Test record and use the Print button to print the formatted lab report
  • Email: use the Email button to send the result to the patient’s email address on record
The system can be configured to automatically send SMS notifications when results are available (configured in Healthcare Settings → “Result Printed Message” and “Result Emailed Message”).

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Field Guide: Lab Test

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Lab Test Templates (Setup)

Lab Test Templates define the standard tests your lab performs. Each template contains:

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Sensitivity Tests (Microbiology/Culture)

For culture and sensitivity tests (where bacteria are tested against antibiotics):
  1. The results table has a Sensitivity Test Result section
  2. For each organism grown, the technician records which antibiotics it is sensitive to, resistant to, or intermediate
  3. This helps the doctor choose the right antibiotic for the patient

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Field Guide: Sample Collection

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Reports for the Lab

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Lab Test Report

Found under: Healthcare workspace → Reports → Lab Test Report Filters: date range, patient, test type, status Shows all lab tests with their current status. Use this to identify:
  • Tests where samples have been collected but results not yet entered
  • Tests where results have been entered but not yet approved
  • Approved tests that have not been emailed or printed
Who uses it: Lab Manager, Lab Approver, Healthcare Administrator

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Troubleshooting

The lab test does not appear in the lab list Check that the doctor submitted the Patient Encounter with the lab test order. If orders were not created automatically, the lab team may need to create the Lab Test record manually. I cannot approve the lab test You need the LabTest Approver role. If you have the role and still cannot approve, check that all result rows are filled in and there are no empty required fields. The result email was not sent to the patient Check that the patient’s email address is on their Patient record. Also verify that email settings are configured in the system and that approval is complete (unapproved tests cannot be sent). The normal range shows as blank for a parameter The Lab Test Template for this test may not have normal ranges configured. Ask your Admin to update the template.

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Best Practices

  • Set up Lab Test Templates before going live - results cannot be entered correctly without them
  • Collect and register the sample before starting the test - a sample without a Collection record has no tracking
  • Enter results on the same day the test is processed - delays in entering results delay patient care
  • If “Lab Test Approval Required” is on, make sure an approver is available every day to prevent results sitting unapproved overnight
  • For abnormal results that could indicate a serious condition, contact the ordering doctor directly rather than waiting for them to check the patient history