LIMS Generation of Reports - hmislk/hmis GitHub Wiki

Generation of Reports

After a sample is accepted at the lab, the next step is entering results and generating the patient report. Automated tests receive their results directly from the analyzer via the middleware; manual tests require data entry by the lab technician. Once all results are in, an authorised user approves the report before it can be printed or sent to the patient.

Opening the Report Management Screen

  1. Go to Menu > Lab > Report Management.
  2. Use the search filters to find the orders ready for result entry:
Filter Description
Date Range The date(s) the order was placed or the sample received
Department The lab section handling this test
Order No The bill or investigation number
Patient Name Partial name search
Patient Phone Search by mobile number
Investigation Name Filter to a specific test type
Ordered Department The clinical department that placed the order
BHT Bed Head Ticket number for inpatients

Additional scope options:

  • Selected department only — shows only your logged-in department's samples.
  • List reports to my department / selected department — useful when multiple sections share a screen.
  • Institution Search — includes samples from affiliated institutions.
  1. Click Search. Matching investigations are displayed in a list.

Report management search screen with filters and results list

Preparing a New Report

  1. Find the investigation in the list.
  2. If sample collection or reception have not been marked yet, you can do so here:
    • Click Mark Collected to record that the sample was taken.
    • Click Mark Received to record that the sample arrived at the lab.
  3. To print a worksheet before data entry, click Print Worksheet.
  4. Click New Report to open the result entry form for that investigation.

Entering Results

The result entry form displays all parameters configured for the investigation. The layout depends on the report format set up for that investigation.

Numeric and Text Results

  1. For each parameter row, click into the Value field and type the result.
  2. The system immediately compares the value against the configured reference range and displays an indicator:
    • H (High) if the value is above the normal range.
    • L (Low) if the value is below the normal range.
    • No indicator for values within the normal range.
  3. If a flag is triggered — for example, a critically high value — a flag message appears next to the result. This message is configured by the lab administrator and may read something like "Show this result to the doctor immediately." See Result Flags & Critical Values.

Calculated Results

Some parameters are calculated automatically from other entered values (e.g., MCH = HGB / RBC × 10). After entering the source values, click Calculate to run all configured formulas. The calculated fields are populated automatically.

Automated Results (from Analyzer)

For tests interfaced with an analyzer, results may already be populated when you open the report — the middleware has received them and filled in the values automatically. Review the values, check for any flag indicators, then proceed to approval.

Uploading an Image Result

For tests that include an image (e.g., peripheral blood film photograph, urine microscopy image):

  1. Click the Upload Image button next to the relevant parameter.
  2. Select the image file from the connected device.
  3. The image is attached to the report and will appear on the printed output.

Microbiology Results

Microbiology investigations (culture, sensitivity) use a separate entry layout. See Microbiology Overview.

Saving and Previewing

  1. After entering all values, click Save Report. The system saves the results but the report remains in draft — it has not been approved and cannot yet be printed for the patient.
  2. A print preview is displayed showing how the report will look when printed. Review it for any formatting issues or missing values.

Approving the Report

Approval is the official sign-off step. Only authorised users (typically senior MLTs or pathologists) can approve reports.

  1. After reviewing the results, click Approve.
  2. If any validation rule is not met — for example, a mandatory field is empty, or a value is below the configured absolute minimum — the system displays a warning and prevents approval until the issue is resolved.
  3. Once approved:
    • The report is locked. No further data entry is possible without cancelling the authorisation.
    • The authorising user's name and timestamp are embedded in the printed report.
    • The system can automatically send an SMS or email to the patient (if configured).
  4. The investigation status updates to Report Approved.

Note: If the report needs to be corrected after approval, an authorised user must first cancel the authorisation. This action is logged and — depending on configuration — the lab manager is notified by email.

Marking a Critical Result (Requires Immediate Doctor Review)

If a result requires urgent clinical attention, and the configuration option for critical result marking is enabled:

  1. Look for the Requires Immediate Doctor Review toggle on the report entry screen.
  2. Switch it on. A red warning indicator is added to the report.
  3. This flag is visible to anyone viewing or printing the report and prompts immediate escalation.

Only users with the Lab Authorising privilege can set or clear this flag. See Result Flags & Critical Values.

Printing and Distributing the Report

After approval, proceed to Issuing Reports for printing, distribution, and patient notification steps.

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