The Laboratory Workflow
This laboratory module contains a step by step guide on how to carry out the laboratory work flow. Lab should be accessed by the lab technician user role, or anyone else assigned that user role.
In the system, a patient is forwarded to the lab after a clinical encounter. The doctor/nurse makes the lab orders, sends the patient to billing for order payments and once the payment is done, the patient is sent to the labs queue.
To access Lab, log in to the system using your user credentials.
- On the left side menu, click on the Lab icon.
- A new page will open with the following links.
The links and their description below gives detailed statuses of a patient's lab journey, from the moment the doctor makes a lab order to the point he gets back the result
i. Awaiting Check-in
Description: In the context of a lab test, this stage indicates that the test request has been received but has not yet been officially checked into the laboratory's system. The test has not started processing.
Action: Lab administrative staff or receptionists may perform the check-in process, which involves recording the test request, assigning a unique identifier, and preparing it for laboratory processing.
ii. Awaiting Payment
Description: This stage signifies that there are outstanding fees or payment obligations associated with the lab test. The payment must be settled before the test can proceed.
Action: Billing or finance teams handle the verification of payment. Once the payment is confirmed, the lab test can advance.
The above two steps are sometimes not applicable to some facilities.
To perform lab procedures, click on the "Awaiting Sampling" link as shown below.
A window will open showing the list patients awaiting sampling as shown below. Click on the "Last Updated On" button and select "Created On" from the dropdown list to change the order of patients' list to the earliest/first.
iii. Awaiting Sampling:
Description: In a lab test workflow, this phase indicates that the sample collection process has not yet occurred. The test cannot proceed until the required sample is obtained.
Action: Lab technicians, nurses, or phlebotomists typically perform the sampling, collecting the necessary specimens (e.g., blood, urine, tissue) for analysis.
A window will open showing the list patients awaiting sampling as shown below. Click on the "Last Updated On" button and select "Created On" from the dropdown list to change the order of patients' list to the earliest/first.
Patients' name Column has been deliberately hidden
iv. To Receive
Description: At this stage, the collected sample is in transit or scheduled to be delivered to the laboratory for testing.
Action: Logistics or delivery personnel are responsible for ensuring that the sample is received securely and in a timely manner.
v. Processing:
Description: Once the lab receives the sample, it enters the processing phase. This is where the actual analysis and testing of the sample take place.
Action: Lab technologists or scientists conduct the tests, record results, and perform any necessary data analysis or interpretation.
vi. Awaiting Verification:
Description: After the initial processing, the test results may need to be verified for accuracy and quality control purposes. This step ensures that the results are reliable.
Action: Quality control personnel or senior lab staff review the test results and confirm their accuracy. Any discrepancies are addressed before proceeding.
vii. Posted:
Description: In the context of a lab test workflow, "Posted" signifies that the test results have been finalized, validated, and are ready for distribution to the requesting healthcare provider or patient.
Action: The lab reports are typically released to the healthcare provider electronically or through secure channels for review and further medical decision-making.