In the Results Entry module, test ranges define the normal, abnormal, erroneous, and extended result parameters that are set for each test.
A flag is used to indicate the degree or level of a test result, especially an abnormal result. The flags are based on ranges set for each test when it is defined in the Test Dictionary of the CyberLAB system.
There are several ways that the facility or its clients (caregivers) can use to indicate that they want to receive a telephone call about patient test results:
A facility defines the panic/critical range for a test when it is set up in the Test Dictionary of the CyberLAB system.
A caregiver can select the Call All Tests option when a sample order is created for a specific patient. The Call All Tests option is on the Sample Info Tab in the Patient Entry/Maintenance submodule.
A caregiver can specify in the Client Call Report Ranges submodule the test result ranges that trigger a call to him. These test results are placed on the Call Report Phone List.
When an abnormal test result occurs in the submodules of the Results Entry module, a Call Report Comments dialog box displays with the caregiver's telephone number. If the caregiver cannot be contacted or the call needs to be made later, the caller clicks the Later button.
This action places the call on the Call Report Phone List. A record of the call and the caller's comments appear on the Call Comments Tab screen in the Patient Inquiry submodule.
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The two common result values for alpha tests are NEG (negative) and POS (positive), but a facility can define numerous alpha values.
For example, NEG is the default result and requires no flag. But, if the result is POS or other than the normal range, the result is flagged as H (high).
A numeric test uses digits with decimals to indicate a test result. For example, 1.0 or 3.0.
When a numeric test result falls outside the normal range, the system changes the text of the test result to red on the Results Entry screen and displays a flag, depending upon the result entered.
An abnormal flag is printed on clinical reports and appears on the patient's record in the Patient Inquiry submodule.
The common values indicated by the flags are:
Normal (--)
Low (L)
High (H)
Very Low (VL)
Very High (VH)
Note: If a numeric test has a result value that contains an Alpha character (for example, A1), the user can pick the desired flag.
Normal
A range of test values used to characterize apparently healthy individuals. This range is set for a test in the Test Dictionary.
Male
Used to define the normal range for male patients.
Female
Used to define the normal range for female patients.
Nongender
Used to define the normal range for all patients when the male and female ranges are identical.
Abnormal
A test result outside the normal range. There are two categories:
Low/High
Used to define a test result that is between the normal range and the panic/critical values.
For example, if the normal range is between 4 and 8 and the panic/critical is outside 2 and 10, a test result of 3 triggers a Low (L) flag and a test result of 9 triggers a High (H) flag.
Panic/Critical
Used to define a test result that is beyond the panic/critical value.
For example, if the panic/critical value is outside 2 and 10, a test result of 1 triggers that Very Low (VL) flag and a test result of 13 triggers a Very High (VH) flag.
Note: If a panic/critical value has been defined, the test result is flagged with a VL or VH.
Erroneous - Used to define erroneous or absurd result criteria for a test. This range is optional.
If erroneous range is defined, it can be used to prevent values that are below or above the range to be entered as a test result.
Erroneous can use the L/H or VL/VH flags. The flags that are used depend on if panic/critical values are defined.
Extended Normal Range - Used to define 84 different ranges based on age, sex, species, and the instrument and location in which the test was performed.
The CyberLAB system offers an optional feature to alert the doctor if the patient's test result is a panic/critical value of abnormal.
The optional feature requires the Call Report Comments dialog box to display automatically. Otherwise, the caller clicks the red telephone icon to display the dialog box.
The patient's location and the doctor's telephone number is provided in the Call Report Comments box, and the caller can enter a comment about the call in a text area or select a predefined comment.
A record of the call displays on the Call Comments Tab screen in the Patient Inquiry submodule.
The buttons on the Call Report Comments dialog box initiate these actions:
OK button - Accepts the comments in the patient's record for this Sample ID.
Ignore button - The call is not made. If this button is clicked, the system can internally ignore the display of the dialog box. Ignored actions can be logged internally. When you click the button, it clears the comment. This button is optional.
Note: Ignored actions can print on a clinical report. The hard-coded comment that prints if you clicked the Ignore button is "Critical/Changed value ignored."
For further information, see the About Call Report.
Activate Ignore Option
The Ignore option is active when the Ignore button displays in the dialog box.
The configurational option that controls the option reads:
Offer Ignore in Call Report (Comments) Dialog Box
The configurational option is located on the Features Tab screen of General System Parameters.
Later button - The result is placed on the Call Report Phone List and screen. This indicates that the laboratory technologist or other office staff needs to call the doctor at a later time, such as the next morning when the doctor's office is open.
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Caution: 
To leave a screen in the CyberLAB system, always click the Exit button at the upper-right corner of the screen.
Do not use the (red or black) X button at the top-right corner of the screen. This action can affect operation of the application.
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