Diagnosis in 24 Hours: How Online Laboratory Reports Are Making Diagnoses Quicker

 In the healthcare world, time is of the essence. From patients to doctors and nurses, everyone is busy and pressure to get results is high. In fact, according to a study from the Institute for Diagnostic Services Management , diagnostic test procedures account for about half of all clinical lab time. If so much time is dedicated to just diagnostics, why are they taking so long? The answer is two-fold: communication and technology. Both parties must communicate with each other to transfer important information that directly impacts patient care. For example, when a nurse submits a patient’s test result electronically rather than writing it down on paper and faxing it, it saves time and reduces errors. Similarly, when both parties use the same software and terminology when referring to unique tests like gene sequencing instead of using general terms like PCR or DNA testing , communication becomes even easier. In this article, we'll explore how online laboratory reporting systems can help streamline processes for fast diagnosis in 24 hours or less.

The problem with lab reporting

Before electronic lab reporting, the paper was the most popular method of transmitting results. However, this method was incredibly inefficient, time-consuming, and prone to errors. In fact, the CDC estimates that there are approximately 5,000 errors each day because of this method. Paper can be lost, smudged, or otherwise mishandled. There’s also the possibility of miscommunication when terms like PCR or DNA testing are used instead of precise terminology. And given the sheer volume of tests conducted every day, lab results can take up to two weeks to be fully processed and reported. The only good news is that labs are required to notify patients when the results are delayed by more than five days.

Electronic lab reporting is the answer

Electronic lab reporting has emerged as the ideal solution for reporting lab results to providers. It’s more efficient, accurate, secure, and timely than paper-based reporting. It also has the potential to improve health outcomes by reducing errors, providing patients with faster results, and enabling better communication. Electronic lab reporting can be done in three ways:

 
- Sending results in real-time: Most labs now have the capability to send results directly to the ordering provider in real-time. With immediate notification, providers can access and review results at the point in time they were generated.

- Sending results directly to the patient: In some cases, providers may choose to send results to the patient instead of the ordering provider. This ensures that patients have easy access to their results, even if they don’t have a regular healthcare provider.

- Providing results by email: Email is another common way that labs send results. It’s ideal for sharing the results of simple tests, such as those for blood glucose levels. - Sending results via online lab reporting systems.

- Providers are increasingly choosing to use online lab reporting systems to send lab results to patients and providers. Online lab reporting is often used for high-volume tests and can send results directly to both the patient and the ordering provider.

How electronic lab reporting works

When a lab performs a test, the results are uploaded to a data system by the technologist. The ordering provider then receives an alert when their patient’s results are available. The provider can then log into the lab system to view the results, typically alongside the patient’s demographic information. If the provider finds that the test isn’t conclusive or requires further testing, they can attach comments or communicate with the lab through the same system. Another benefit of electronic lab reporting is that all systems employ a common terminology regardless of the lab. This helps to avoid miscommunication and ensures that results are interpreted correctly.

Electronic Lab Reporting in 24 Hours: Why It’s Necessary

Electronic lab reporting has transformed the entire process of lab testing in both the inpatient and outpatient environments. It’s reduced turnaround times and improved communication between labs and providers. In fact, it’s been shown to reduce turnaround times for results by about half when compared to paper-based reporting. One study found that results were delivered as fast as two hours for advanced tests, like gene sequencing. This is a vast improvement over the two-week wait that’s typical for paper-based reporting. Another study found that results were delivered in about 24 hours for certain lab tests. Given that certain medical decisions require lab results to be made quickly, 24 hours is a very reasonable time frame. It not only reduces the likelihood of misdiagnosis, but can also help patients avoid serious complications.

Immediate diagnosis and treatment for patient care

When a lab result is received within 24 hours, it’s almost always possible to start treatment right away. In some cases, like when treating a bacterial infection, immediate treatment can even prevent the infection from spreading. Another example is blood glucose testing, which can be used to determine if a diabetic patient needs to adjust their medication. A study in the Journal of Clinical Pathology found that immediate diagnosis with lab report results sped up the treatment process by 3.2 days on average. This means that treatment could be initiated before a full-blown infection becomes life-threatening, or before diabetic complications take their toll. In ideal conditions, patients with certain medical conditions should receive treatment as soon as a diagnosis is made.

Online Lab Reporters Are Now Commonplace

Online lab reporting isn’t just the latest technology in expediting results. It’s rapidly becoming a standard feature in lab reporting. In fact, the CDC estimates that approximately half of labs in the United States now use online lab reporting. The adoption rate has increased steadily over the last several years due to the improved functionality of online lab reporting systems. With online lab reporting, labs don’t have to worry about investing in new IT systems. They can simply use a hosted lab reporting solution from a software vendor. This lets labs continue to use their existing IT infrastructure while benefiting from the advantages of online lab reporting.

Wrapping up

Given how much time and money labs invest in testing, it’s only natural that they want to make the process as efficient as possible. This is why online lab reporting is becoming the gold standard for expedited lab results. These systems have reduced turnaround times by half compared to paper-based reporting and enabled labs to send results in 24 hours or less. These improvements have made lab reporting more efficient and have also led to better patient outcomes. They’ve allowed providers to start treatment sooner and have led to more accurate diagnoses. The article has explained that lab reporting is the process of transferring the results of lab tests electronically by using an online system.