Test

Last updated: 2026-03-29

Overview

The Lab Test Configuration module is the master catalog for your laboratory. It allows you to create and manage the tests your lab performs, define healthy reference ranges based on patient age and gender, set up specimen collection instructions (like required containers and temperatures), and configure microbiology sensitivity panels.

When Do I Use This?

  • When your laboratory introduces a new test to the catalog.
  • When you need to update "normal" reference ranges based on new medical guidelines.
  • When you want to set up warning triggers for "Panic" (critical) or "Absurd" (impossible) lab results.
  • When creating instructions for nurses or phlebotomists on what tubes/containers to use for collection.
  • When configuring bacteria (organisms) and antibiotic sensitivity panels for microbiology cultures.

How To Use

1. Creating a New Lab Test

  1. Navigate to the Laboratory module and select Tests.
  2. Click the + New button.
  3. Enter the basic test details like Name, Code, and select the default Unit (e.g., mg/dL).
  4. If this test is processed by a specific machine, select it in the Analyzer field.
  5. If this test is a standard industry test, link it to the correct LOINC code.
  6. Click Save.

2. Setting Up Reference Ranges (Analysis)

After entering the basic test details, you will add "Analysis" lines. This tells the system what a normal result looks like depending on the patient.

  1. At the bottom of the Test form, locate the Analysis section.
  2. Click to add a new analysis row.
  3. Select the target demographic (e.g., Gender: Male, Age From: 18, Age To: 65, Age Unit: Years).
  4. Enter the Normal Low and Normal High limits.
  5. Enter Panic values (triggers a critical alert) and Absurd values (prevents typing in a physically impossible result).
  6. Repeat this process for other demographics (e.g., females, children, pregnant patients).

3. Defining Specimen Requirements

To ensure phlebotomists collect the correct sample:

  1. Open the Specimens menu linked to the test.
  2. Select the Specimen type (e.g., Blood, Urine).
  3. Choose the Collection Container (e.g., Red Top Tube, EDTA).
  4. Set required temperatures for Storage and Shipping.

Field Descriptions

General Test Fields

Field Name Description
Name The full name of the laboratory test (e.g., "Complete Blood Count").
Code A short internal abbreviation for the test (e.g., "CBC").
Calculated Check this box if the result is not measured by a machine, but calculated using a mathematical formula from other test results.
LOINC Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes. A universal standard code for identifying medical lab observations.
Analyzer The specific laboratory machine or instrument used to process this test.

Analysis & Reference Range Fields

Field Name Description
Gender / Pregnant Use these to specify if this specific reference range only applies to males, females, or pregnant patients.
Age From / Age To / Age Unit Defines the age group this reference range applies to (e.g., 0 to 6 Months, or 18 to 99 Years).
Normal Low / High The healthy, standard range for this patient demographic.
Panic Low / High Critical values that pose immediate danger to the patient. Results outside this range will be flagged urgently.
Absurd Low / High Impossible biological values. If a machine or user inputs a number outside this range, the system will reject it as an error.
Formula If the test is "Calculated", type the mathematical formula here.
Pre-Set Value For non-numeric tests. Type the options separated by a semicolon (e.g., Positive;Negative;Inconclusive) to create a dropdown menu for the lab tech.

Microbiology Fields

Module Description
Organisms The bacteria or pathogens identified in a culture (e.g., E. coli, MRSA).
Antibiotics & Panels Used to build sensitivity panels. You can group specific antibiotics to test against identified organisms to see which medication will treat the infection.
Tip: When creating "Pre-Set Values" for qualitative tests (like a Rapid Strep Test), always remember to use a semicolon without spaces to separate your options (Example: Positive;Negative). This ensures the dropdown menu generates correctly for data entry.
Tip: You do not need to create separate tests for "Adult Hemoglobin" and "Pediatric Hemoglobin". Create one master "Hemoglobin" test, and use the Analysis section to add multiple rows with different age ranges. The system will automatically pick the correct normal range based on the patient's date of birth!
↑ Up to