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Lab tests

This section describes how to order, manage, and view laboratory tests within 4Geeks Health. The Laboratory (LIS) module streamlines the process of requesting lab tests, tracking samples, receiving results, and integrating those results into the patient’s medical record.

Overview

The Lab Tests functionality in 4Geeks Health supports the entire laboratory workflow, from order placement to result reporting. Key features include:

  • Ordering Tests: Requesting specific laboratory tests for patients.
  • Sample Management: Tracking samples collected from patients.
  • Result Entry: Recording and managing lab test results.
  • Result Reporting: Viewing and interpreting lab test results.
  • Integration: Connecting with the patient’s medical record, appointments, and billing.

Accessing Lab Tests

You can access Lab Tests functionality in several ways:

  1. From the Navigation Menu:

    • Look for a “Laboratory,” “Lab Tests,” “LIS,” or similar option in the main navigation menu.
    • Click this option.

  2. From a Patient Record:

    • While viewing a patient’s record, there may be a section or tab for “Lab Tests,” “Laboratory,” “Results,” or similar.
    • You might find a button to order new lab tests or view existing results.

  3. From an Outpatient Visit or Inpatient Encounter:

    • Within the context of a visit or encounter, there will likely be a section for ordering lab tests.

Ordering Lab Tests

1. Initiate the Order

  • Navigate to the Lab Tests section using one of the methods described above.
  • Click a “New Lab Order,” “Order Tests,” or similar button. If you are ordering from a patient record or encounter, the patient information will usually be pre-filled.

2. Fill Out the Order Form

The lab order form will likely include the following fields:

  • Patient *: Select the patient from the patient list (if not already pre-selected). Mandatory.
  • Ordering Provider *: Select the healthcare provider who is ordering the tests. This may default to the current user. Mandatory.
  • Date and Time *: The date and time the order is placed. This may default to the current date and time. Mandatory.
  • Order Priority: (e.g., Routine, STAT, Urgent).
  • Tests *: Select the specific lab tests to be performed. This may involve:
    • A searchable list of available tests.
    • Pre-defined test panels or groups.
    • The ability to add multiple tests to the order.
    • CPT Codes will be displayed.
  • Specimen Type: (e.g., Blood, Urine, Tissue). This may be automatically determined by the selected tests, or you may need to specify it.
  • Collection Date and Time: If the sample has already been collected, enter the date and time. If not, you may leave this blank or schedule a future collection.
  • Clinical Information/Reason for Test: Provide relevant clinical information or the reason for ordering the tests. This helps the lab interpret the results.
  • Notes: Add any additional notes or instructions for the lab.

3. Submit the Order

  • Review: Double-check all entered information for accuracy.
  • Submit: Click the “Submit,” “Order Tests,” or similar button.

4. After Submission

  • The status will be set to Pending.
  • After submission the Sample Collection can be done.

Sample Collection

After a lab order is placed, the next step is usually sample collection.

1. Accessing the Sample Collection

  • Navigate to the Lab Result section and select New Lab Result.

2. Sample Collection Form

  • Sample ID: The system may automatically generate a unique sample ID. This ID is crucial for tracking the sample.
  • Collection Date and Time: Confirm or enter the actual date and time the sample was collected.
  • Collected By: Record the name or initials of the person who collected the sample.
  • Sample Status: Update Sample Status.

3. Labeling and Handling

  • Labeling: Properly label the sample container with the patient’s name, ID, date and time of collection, and the Sample ID. This is critical to prevent mix-ups.
  • Handling: Follow appropriate procedures for handling and storing the sample based on the type of test and specimen.

4. Sending to the Lab

  • Internal Lab: If your organization has an internal lab, the sample may be transferred directly to the lab.
  • External Lab: If you use an external lab, follow their procedures for packaging and shipping the sample.
  • Tracking: The status can change to Sent to Lab.

Result Entry

Once the lab has processed the sample, the results need to be entered into 4Geeks Health. This may happen in several ways:

  • Manual Entry: A lab technician or other authorized user manually enters the results into the system.
  • Electronic Interface (HL7): If your system has an interface with the lab’s information system, results may be automatically transmitted electronically. This is the most efficient and accurate method.
  • Scanning/Importing: Results may be scanned or imported from paper reports or other electronic files.

Manual Result Entry:

  1. Find the Order: Locate the lab order for the patient (e.g., from the patient record, the Lab Tests list, or a worklist).
  2. Open the Result Entry Form: Click an “Enter Results,” “Edit Results,” or similar button.
  3. Enter Results: For each test in the order, enter the result values. The system may provide:
    • Fields for numeric results.
    • Dropdown menus for qualitative results (e.g., Positive, Negative, Detected, Not Detected).
    • Fields for comments or notes.
    • Reference ranges: The normal range for each test may be displayed.
    • Flags: The system may automatically flag abnormal results (e.g., high, low, critical).
  4. Review and Validate: Carefully review all entered results for accuracy. The lab may have a validation process where a second person reviews the results before they are released.
  5. Save: Save the results.
  6. Status: The status change to Delivered.

Result Reporting

Once results are entered and validated, they become part of the patient’s medical record and are accessible to authorized users.

  • Viewing Results: You can typically view lab results:
    • From the patient’s record (in a dedicated “Lab Results” section or within the encounter record).
    • From the Lab Tests list.
    • Through reports.
  • Result Display: Results are usually displayed in a table or list format, showing:
    • Test Name
    • Result Value
    • Units
    • Reference Range
    • Flag (if abnormal)
    • Date and Time of Result
  • Trend Analysis: The system may allow you to view results over time to track trends.
  • Printing: You can usually print lab results.
  • Notifications: The system may generate notifications to the ordering provider when results are available, especially for critical or abnormal values.

Important Considerations

  • Accuracy: Ensure that all lab orders and results are entered accurately. Errors can have serious consequences for patient care.
  • Confidentiality: Maintain strict patient confidentiality.
  • Units of Measurement: Be consistent with units of measurement.
  • Reference Ranges: Understand the reference ranges for each test and how they may vary based on age, sex, and other factors.
  • Critical Values: Establish procedures for handling critical values (results that indicate a life-threatening condition).
  • Integration: The Lab Test module is often integrated with other parts, such as Billing.
  • Training: Provide proper training for staff.
  • Compliance: Ensure that all lab processes and documentation comply with relevant regulations (e.g., CLIA in the United States).

This documentation provides a comprehensive overview of managing lab tests in 4Geeks Health. Remember to adapt any specific field names, button labels, or steps to match your organization’s customized configuration and specific workflows. It’s also essential to have clear procedures and training in place to ensure accurate and efficient laboratory operations.