> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bizaxl.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Laboratory
> How to process lab test orders, collect samples, enter results, approve reports, and send them to patients and doctors.
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.
***
## 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.
***
## The Lab Test Lifecycle
```
Doctor orders test (in Patient Encounter)
│
▼
Lab Test record created (auto or manual)
│
▼
Sample collected from patient
(Sample Collection record)
│
▼
Lab Technician processes sample
and enters results in the Lab Test record
│
▼
Lab Approver reviews and approves results
(if approval is required in settings)
│
▼
Result is now available in Patient History
Can be printed or emailed to patient
```
***
## 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.
***
## 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:
| Field | What to Enter |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Patient | The patient the sample is from |
| Sample | The sample type (Blood, Urine, Swab, etc.) |
| Lab Test | Link to the lab test this sample is for |
| Collected Date | Date the sample was taken |
| Collected Time | Time the sample was taken |
| Practitioner | Who collected the sample |
3. Save and Submit
The sample collection is now linked to the lab test and shows in the patient's history.
***
## 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**)
4. For each test parameter, enter:
| Field | What to Enter |
| ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Test Name | The parameter name (e.g., Haemoglobin, WBC Count, Blood Sugar) |
| Result | The measured value |
| Normal Range | The expected range (pre-filled from the template) |
| UOM | Unit of measurement (g/dL, mmol/L, etc.) |
5. Fill in the **Lab Technician** (Employee) and **Result Date**
6. Save
***
## 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.
***
## 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").
***
## Field Guide: Lab Test
| Field | What It Contains |
| ----------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| Patient | The patient the test is for |
| Test Template | The test type (e.g., CBC, LFT, RFT, Lipid Profile) |
| Requesting Practitioner | The doctor who ordered the test |
| Department | Which department ordered it |
| Status | Pending, Completed, Approved |
| Sample ID | The sample collection record linked |
| Expected Result Date | When results are expected |
| Result Date | When results were actually entered |
| Lab Technician | Who processed the test |
| Normal Test Items | Table of results (parameter, value, normal range) |
| Invoiced | Whether the test has been billed |
***
## Lab Test Templates (Setup)
Lab Test Templates define the standard tests your lab performs. Each template contains:
| Field | What It Defines |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Template Name | The test name (e.g., "Complete Blood Count") |
| Lab Test Group | A grouping for the template |
| Result Format | Normal (numeric results), Descriptive (text results), or Grouped |
| Normal Test Items | All parameters of the test with their normal ranges and units |
| Lab Test Sample | What type of sample is needed |
| Report Preference | Whether results are printed or emailed by default |
***
## 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
***
## Field Guide: Sample Collection
| Field | What It Contains |
| -------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| Patient | The patient the sample came from |
| Sample | Sample type (Blood, Urine, Swab, Stool, etc.) |
| Lab Test | The test this sample is collected for |
| Collected Date | Date of collection |
| Collected Time | Time of collection |
| Practitioner | Staff member who collected the sample |
***
## Reports for the Lab
### 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
***
## 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.
***
## 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
***
## Related Features
* [Clinical Operations](/health-wellness/rehabilitation-center/clinical-operations): Where lab tests are ordered in the Patient Encounter
* [Patient Management](/health-wellness/rehabilitation-center/patient-management): Patient record where email for results is stored
* [Billing and Finance](/health-wellness/rehabilitation-center/billing-finance): How lab tests are invoiced