> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.phbhealth.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Lab test loop

> From the doctor's order to the lab, the release, the doctor's review, and the patient seeing the result.

```mermaid theme={null}
flowchart LR
  A("Doctor<br/>orders test") --> B("Lab<br/>receives specimen")
  B --> C("Lab<br/>enters results")
  C --> D("Lab<br/>sign & release")
  D --> E("Doctor<br/>reviews in Inbox")
  D -->|"not sensitive"| F("Patient<br/>sees result")
  E -->|"sensitive: after counselling"| G("Doctor<br/>release to patient")
  G --> F
```

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Doctor orders">
    From the encounter's **Labs** tab, **Order a test**.
    See [Lab orders and results](/guides/doctor/lab-orders-and-results).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Lab receives the specimen">
    The lab scientist opens the order and clicks **Receive specimen**, or rejects it with a reason.
    See [Receive specimens](/guides/lab/receive-specimens).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Lab enters results">
    Values are entered and saved as a draft.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Lab releases">
    A lab scientist with a verified MLSCN licence clicks **Sign & release**.
    See [Enter and release results](/guides/lab/enter-and-release-results).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Doctor reviews">
    The result appears in the doctor's **Inbox** under **Lab releases**. For an abnormal result, the doctor chooses **Reviewed — no action** or **Start follow-up**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Patient sees it">
    A non-sensitive result appears in the patient's **Records** straight away. A sensitive result stays hidden, including its name, until the ordering doctor counsels the patient and clicks **Release to patient**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  The list of sensitive tests is a starter list awaiting clinical sign-off. Lab orders can't be cancelled, and released results can't be amended in PHB yet.
</Note>


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