Overview

This update introduces a new feature to support parameter-level comments in pathology-type reports only. It enables labs to:

  • Add meaningful comments per parameter during report entry
  • Reuse standard comments using presets
  • View these comments in report preview and test value export

This helps improve clarity, traceability, and standardization in reporting and communication with referring doctors.

Purpose of This Feature

In daily lab operations, there are many situations where test results need added explanation or context. Labs currently lack a structured way to attach such comments to individual parameters. This feature solves that by:

  • Ensuring consistency in how common situations are documented (e.g., sample rerun, outsourced tests)
  • Helping reporting doctors understand why a result may be missing, flagged, or treated differently
  • Saving time by allowing reuse of frequently used comments via presets
  • Providing clean traceability in reports and exports for audit and review

What’s Included

  1. Parameter Comments
  • Manually selectable comment (only one per parameter)
  • Comments can be from global presets or custom per-parameter entries
  • Comments appear in:
    • Report Entry screen (editable)
    • Report Preview screen (view-only)
    • Test Values Export (in export files)
  1. Test Value Export Changes
  • New column:
    • Comment (shows selected comment text or blank if none)

How Labs Can Use It

  • Global preset comments will be automatically shown for all parameters by default. Labs do not need to manually enable them.
  • If a lab wants to add custom parameter-level comments, they can:
  1. Go to Test Parameter Configuration > Comments Tab
  2. Toggle ON: "Enable preset comments for this parameter"
  3. Add new custom comments for that parameter using “+ Add Comment”
  4. Mark any comment as Global if it should be reused across other parameters

These comments will then show up in report entry for that parameter.

To Add Comments in Report Entry:

  • Look for the comment icon next to the highlight checkbox
  • Click to select or type a comment
  • Save comment for the parameter
  • Comment will be visible in preview and export

Default Global Preset Comments

These are preloaded and cannot be edited by users. They cover common lab situations:

  1. Not Performed – "This test was not performed due to sample constraints or other operational reasons."
  2. Rerun – "The test was repeated to verify initial findings."
  3. Critical Callout – "A critical result was observed and the concerned physician was alerted as per protocol."
  4. Outsourced – "This parameter was processed at an external lab facility."
  5. Reflex Test – "An additional test was performed based on reflex criteria related to this parameter."

These presets allow labs to quickly apply appropriate comments without typing repeatedly.

Disclaimers & Exceptions

  • Feature applies only to pathology-type reports
  • Not supported for:
  • Document editor reports
  • Molecular-type reports
  • Only one comment per parameter is supported
  • No rule-based automation for comment selection (must be manually selected)

FAQs

Q: Can I add multiple comments for a parameter?

A: No, only one comment can be selected and saved per parameter.

Q: Can we automate comments based on values?

A: No, comments must be selected manually.

Q: Why is the comment icon not visible for some parameters?

A: Ensure that the parameter is part of a pathology report and comments are enabled in configuration.

Q: Can I customize global preset comments?

A: No, these are system-defined. You can add your own comments as custom entries.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Comment not showing in report preview?
  • Check if it was saved in report entry
  • Ensure it's a pathology report
  • Cannot find comment option?
  • Verify that comment toggle is enabled in parameter config (only for custom comments)
  • Ensure you are not in a molecular or document-type report