Test Reports (Lab)

The Test Reports module manages everything related to laboratory testing — from defining test types and methodologies to recording patient lab results and managing external lab vendors. It is organized into six sub-sections covering both configuration and day-to-day lab report management.

Accessing the Module

Sidebar → Test Reports

Direct URL:

https://yourdomain.com/dashboard/test-reports

Who can access:

Module Structure

The Test Reports module is divided into six sub-sections:

The first section handles patient-facing lab results. The remaining five sections are configuration — they define the building blocks used when creating reports.

Lab Vendors — external lab suppliers — are managed in a separate module. See the Lab Vendors guide. Vendors can be linked to test reports when a sample is sent to an external lab.

Test Reports

Accessing Test Reports

Sidebar → Test Reports (main page)

https://yourdomain.com/dashboard/test-reports

What a Test Report Records

Each test report entry captures a complete lab result for a patient:

Test Report Statuses

Creating a Test Report

Click Add Test Report on the test reports page.

Direct URL:

https://yourdomain.com/dashboard/test-reports/new

Fill in the required fields — patient, doctor, test type, results, and report date — then optionally link to an appointment, lab vendor, and specific test definition. Set the initial status and save.

Test Reports List

The main list shows all test reports across all patients with the most recent first. Each row displays:

• Patient name

• Test type

• Lab vendor (if linked)

• Report date

• Status badge

• Action buttons (edit, delete)

Tests (Laboratory Test Definitions)

Accessing Tests

Sidebar → Test Reports → Tests

https://yourdomain.com/dashboard/test-reports/tests

What Tests Define

Laboratory tests are reusable definitions that can be linked to test reports. Defining tests once means they can be selected consistently when creating reports:

Adding a Test

Click Add Test on the tests page.

Fill in the test name and code, link it to a category, sample type, methodology, and turnaround time, and set the normal range and price. Save to make the test available for selection when creating test reports.

Tests can only be linked to categories, sample types, methodologies, and turnaround times that already exist. Configure those sub-sections first before adding tests.

Categories

Accessing Categories

Sidebar → Test Reports → Categories

https://yourdomain.com/dashboard/test-reports/categories

What Categories Do

Categories group related laboratory tests together for organization and filtering. Examples:

• Hematology

• Biochemistry

• Microbiology

• Immunology

• Endocrinology

• Urology

• Serology

• Pathology

Adding a Category

Click Add Category on the categories page. Enter the name, optionally link to a department, and save.

Create categories before adding tests — tests require a linked category.

Methodologies

Accessing Methodologies

Sidebar → Test Reports → Methodologies

https://yourdomain.com/dashboard/test-reports/methodologies

What Methodologies Define

Methodologies describe the testing procedure used to produce a result. Having standardized methodologies ensures consistency across reports:

Adding a Methodology

Click Add Methodology on the methodologies page. Fill in the name and code, optionally link to a category, add descriptive details, and save.

Sample Types

Accessing Sample Types

Sidebar → Test Reports → Sample Types

https://yourdomain.com/dashboard/test-reports/sample-types

What Sample Types Define

Sample types describe the biological specimens used in testing — how they are collected, stored, and handled:

Adding a Sample Type

Click Add Sample Type on the sample types page. Fill in the name and collection details, then save.

Turnaround Times

Accessing Turnaround Times

Sidebar → Test Reports → Turnaround Times

https://yourdomain.com/dashboard/test-reports/turnaround-times

What Turnaround Times Define

Turnaround time definitions set SLA expectations for how quickly lab results should be delivered:

Common Turnaround Time Examples

Adding a Turnaround Time

Click Add Turnaround Time on the turnaround times page. Fill in the name, code, priority, and duration details, then save.

Recommended Setup Order

If you are configuring the Test Reports module for the first time, set up the sub-sections in this order to avoid dependency errors:

1. Categories
      ↓
2. Methodologies
      ↓
3. Sample Types
      ↓
4. Turnaround Times
      ↓
5. Tests
      ↓
6. Lab Vendors (separate module)
      ↓
7. Test Reports (patient results)

Each step depends on the previous ones being configured first.

Database Schema Reference

test_reports

laboratory_tests

Workflow Examples

Complete lab test workflow:

1. Doctor orders a test during a visit — note it in a clinical note

2. Nurse collects sample per sample type instructions

3. Sample sent to lab vendor if external

4. Results received — doctor creates Test Report → status: recorded

5. Doctor reviews and interprets — status: verified

6. Report shared with patient — status: delivered

Setting up a new test for the first time:

1. Test Reports → Categories → Add Category (e.g. Hematology)

2. Test Reports → Methodologies → Add Methodology (e.g. Flow Cytometry)

3. Test Reports → Sample Types → Add Sample Type (e.g. EDTA Blood)

4. Test Reports → Turnaround Times → Add Turnaround Time (e.g. Routine - 24h)

5. Test Reports → Tests → Add Test → link all of the above

Troubleshooting

Test dropdown empty when creating a report:

• No active laboratory tests exist

• Go to Test Reports → Tests and create at least one test

• Confirm the test has is_active = 1

Cannot link a test to a category:

• Categories must be created before tests — go to Test Reports → Categories first

Lab vendor not appearing in dropdown:

• Lab vendors are managed in a separate module — go to Sidebar → Lab Vendors and confirm vendors exist and are active

• See the Lab Vendors guide

Test report status not updating:

• Confirm your role has test_reports.edit permission in Dashboard → Permissions

• Nurses can view but not edit test reports by default

Attachments not uploading to report:

• Attachments on test reports are stored as a JSON array of URLs

• Confirm the medical-attachments storage bucket exists and is set to Public in Supabase

Next Step

Continue to the Odontograms module guide to learn how dental charting works in CareNova.