Computer Systems Overview
Sunquest Laboratory Information System (LIS) is part of a campus wide computer network consisting of two major elements: Communication Equipment and Computers.
The LIS allows the laboratory to electronically receive orders, capture patient demographics from the Hospital Information System via an interface, and facilitate specimen processing, order entry, inquiry, results, and reporting.
System Security
Computer security involves multiple mechanisms designed to keep unauthorized personnel from accessing confidential patient information stored on the system. It involves access limitations whereby each user has an Access Code and Password. Each user has access to information at a level in the system based on his / her professional responsibilities. An audit trail is recorded in the laboratory system and can be traced if necessary.
For inquiries, please contact our Systems Coordinator who can assist you with questions regarding access to the laboratory information system.
System Coordinator: Jill Glazewski, MT(ASCP)
Phone: (704) 834-2126
Email: glazewsJ@gmh.org
GMH Campus Laboratory Order Entry
Test requests are entered via the GMH Invision computer system. Each procedure has a unique test description. Each nursing unit has a "most frequent orders" option for order entry of laboratory tests. Invision sends all lab orders to the lab system via an electronic interface. The "Comment" field should be only for additional test-specific information.
When the interface transfers orders from Invision to the LIS, it looks at the Collected [Y/N] prompt. If this prompt was answered "YES", laboratory assumes that the specimen will be collected by nursing staff rather than laboratory personnel. If Collected [Y/N] is answered "No", the system automatically assigns the request to a collection list (based on the priority entered), places the test on appropriate worksheets throughout the laboratory and assigns a unique "container id (CID)" for tracking the specimen within the lab. Blood specimens collected on units with Laboratory Barcode printers should indicate "COLLECTED NO" in order to assign and print laboratory labels. Specimens which are "COLLECTED YES" should not be entered into the system until after they have been collected. The system will prompt for the collection time. Units that draw their labs may have exceptions to this protocol so that labels will print on their units.
The lab system will update the Invision patient order status on-line. When the lab receives an ordered test, the order status will be upgraded to INP for In-Process. When the test is resulted, the status will be upgraded to VFR for Verified Result. If the lab cancels the test for any reason (duplicate check) the order status will be upgraded to CAN indicating a canceled test. The Display ALL Orders function can be used to view lab orders which have been upgraded beyond the VER (Verified) status.
Test Result Inquiry
Test result inquiry is available at all nursing units and many physician offices to allow review of patient results. Patient results are available in Soarian Clinical and Document Management systems.
Laboratory reports are available from the ordering physician office or may be obtained from the Gaston Memorial Hospital Medical Records department with proper identification and release forms.
Results are not released without an order from the physician which specifically authorizes the release of results to the patient.
Inpatient Results
The LIS automatically transmits all inpatient results electronically. Nursing units also receive a hard copy as results are entered into the LIS. CRITICAL values are reported to the nursing unit per department policy.
"Recurring orders" are restricted by the HIS/LIS with the exception of the following items:
Potassium Hemoglobin
Glucose Hematocrit
Prothrombin Time Digoxin
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time Theophylline
All other orders have a maximum order duration of 24 hours.
Outpatient Results
Outpatient reports are distributed based on patient type, location, and physician preference. Please contact our customer service department for outpatient report setup.
Statistical / Summary Reports
Statistical reports are available based on individual department needs.
Computer Downtime Procedures
Due to the complex nature of downtime procedures depending on the length of anticipated downtime and specifically which functionalities will be unavailable, please refer to specific computer manuals for further information.
