Introduction
Lab results can be linked to Lab orders in the Canvas database. For electronically received results, this is usually done automatically. In cases where automatic linkage fails, or where results are uploaded manually, results can be linked manually to orders. The ability to link results and orders has two main purposes. First, it can be useful for identifying orders that have not yet resulted. Second, it can be used to navigate from a Lab report to the Lab order that generated it. This enables users to obtain relevant clinical context around when and why the lab was ordered.
Key Objectives
This article aims to:
- Provide a comprehensive understanding of how the lab results linking functionality works.
- Describe the benefits of linking lab results to lab orders.
- Detail the manual linking process and the situations in which it may be necessary.
- Address common questions and concerns related to lab results linking.
Overview
Linking lab results and orders occurs in multiple areas within the system, including automatic linking with Health Gorilla, manual linking within the user interface of Lab reports in a patient chart, and Data Integration. Here's a detailed description of how to use the feature in each area:
Automatic Linking with Health Gorilla
- Order lab tests through the system.
- Health Gorilla assigns a unique identifier to the order.
- Patient visits the lab and has bloodwork completed.
- Health Gorilla sends the lab results electronically, including the unique identifier.
- The system compares the unique identifier on the lab order with the one on the lab report. If a match is found, the lab results are linked to the lab order automatically.
Manual Linking within the User Interface
- On a lab report card, find and click the "Link to order" option.
- A dropdown menu appears, displaying a list of all unlinked lab orders in reverse chronological order.
- Select the appropriate lab order to create a link. Only one item can be selected.
- The lab report card updates, displaying the "Ordered on XXX by YYY" text, which also serves as a link to the Lab Order command. Clicking on this link will open a new tab and navigate to the Lab Order command in its note.
- To change or remove an existing link, click "Edit" on the lab report card, and then click the "X" on the linked lab order. If needed, select a different lab order to link to.
Data Integration
- Upload a lab report through Data Integration.
- Instead of linking ordered tests as before, users now select lab orders from a list.
- The system links the lab results to the chosen lab order, streamlining the Data Integration process.
By understanding how to use the lab results linking feature in each area, users can ensure accurate reporting, enhance the efficiency of lab data management, and improve the overall experience for both clinicians and administrators.
FAQ
Q: How does the automatic linking process work with Health Gorilla?
A: When a user orders lab tests, Health Gorilla assigns a unique identifier to the order. When lab results are received, the system compares the unique identifier on the lab order with the one on the lab report. If there's a match, the lab results are linked to the corresponding lab order.
Q: When might manual linking be necessary?
A: Manual linking may be required when the Health Gorilla unique identifier system fails, which can be due to human error at the lab, or when uploading lab reports manually in Data Integration.
Q: How can users manually link lab results to lab orders?
A: Users can manually link lab results to lab orders by selecting the "Link to order" option on the lab report card. They will be presented with a list of unlinked lab orders, and they can choose the appropriate one to create a link.
Q: Can users change or remove existing linkages if they are incorrect?
A: Yes, users can edit the link between lab results and lab orders if needed. To do this, they can click on "Edit" in the lab report and remove the linked lab order. If desired, they can also select a different lab order to link to.
Q: How has the Data Integration process changed with this feature update?
A: Previously, users would select ordered tests to link to in Data Integration. With the updated process, users now select lab orders to choose from, streamlining the linking experience.
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