How laboratory information systems, radiology (RIS/PACS) and pharmacy systems connect to the EHR — specimen labeling, imaging orders and reports, formulary and dispensing.
Laboratory workflow
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1. Order in the EHR → lab information system (LIS) receives it.
2. Specimen collection: label printed with patient identifiers and barcode at the bedside; collection time documented.
3. Lab receives and accessions the specimen; analyzers run tests (interfaced to the LIS).
4. Technologists verify; autoverification rules release normal results automatically.
5. Results flow back to the EHR (HL7 ORU); critical values are phoned.
Common problems: mislabeled specimens, duplicate orders, unmatched orders and results, reference lab interfaces.