Value
Lab Values Overview
The Lab Values module is the intelligent engine behind your laboratory results. Whenever you type a test result into the system—whether it is a specific number, a range, a "less than" symbol, or a word like 'Positive'—this module figures out exactly what it means. It ensures that calculations work properly and automatically flags results that fall outside normal reference ranges.
When Do I Use This?
- When manually entering test results from the lab bench into the system.
- When reviewing results that were automatically sent from a laboratory analyzer machine.
- When you rely on the system to automatically flag High or Low (Abnormal) results based on patient reference ranges.
How To Use
Entering Lab Results
You do not need to do anything special to use this module. Simply type your finding into the result field on the lab entry screen. The system is smart enough to understand different formats automatically.
- Open a patient's lab order.
- Click into the Result field for a specific test.
- Type your result exactly as it should appear on the patient report (e.g.,
< 0.01,15.5, orTurbid). - Click Save or Verify.
- The system will instantly evaluate what you typed and highlight the result in red if it is abnormal.
How the System Handles Formulas
Sometimes, a result you type is used in a mathematical formula for another test. If you type a range (like 10 - 20), the system safely uses the average (15) to prevent calculation errors. If you type text (like Pending), it uses 0.
Supported Result Formats
The system interprets the Result Field based on how you type the data. Here is how it understands different formats:
| What You Type | Format Type | How the System Understands It |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | Standard Number | Read as an exact number. The system will check if 5.5 is between the normal Low and High limits. |
| < 2.0 or > 500 | Inequalities | Read as a boundary limit. If you type > 500 and the normal high limit is 50, the system knows this is definitely abnormal. |
| 1.0 - 3.0 | Ranges | Read as a span. The system identifies the Low (1.0) and the High (3.0). It will flag as abnormal if the entire span is outside the normal limits. |
| Positive, Clear | Textual / Qualitative | Read as pure text. Because it is not a number, the system will not automatically flag it as High or Low. (You must flag these manually if needed). |
<5, < 5, or even < 5 will all be understood perfectly by the system.