Module Walkthrough: Diagnostics

February 2026 · 18 min

Laboratory Module -- Overview

The laboratory module handles the full lifecycle from test ordering to result delivery. It is one of the highest-transaction modules in any hospital.

Key Sub-Modules:

Transaction Volume Estimate: A 200-bed hospital typically processes 300-500 lab orders per day. A standalone diagnostics centre may process 1000+. This volume impacts configuration decisions (batch printing, auto-validation rules).

Lab Test Catalogue -- Master Data Setup

The test catalogue is the foundation of the lab module. Every orderable test must be configured.

Per-Test Configuration:

FC Task: For a typical hospital, you will configure 200-400 tests. Start with the top 50 tests (covering 80% of volume) and add the rest iteratively.

• Collect the hospital's existing test menu from the lab manager
• Map each test to LOINC codes (use the LOINC search tool at loinc.org)
• Define normal ranges per parameter (get pathologist sign-off)
• Set critical value thresholds (get clinical director sign-off)
• Configure specimen-tube colour mapping

Lab Workflow -- Order to Result

Step-by-step flow in Bio Ecko:

1. Order Placed -- Doctor orders CBC from OPD consult. Status: ordered
2. Barcode Generated -- Lab module auto-generates a barcode label for the specimen tube
3. Specimen Collected -- Phlebotomist scans the barcode, marks collection time. Status: collected
4. Sample Received at Lab -- Lab reception scans the barcode, confirms receipt. Status: received
5. Processing -- Technician loads sample on analyser; analyser auto-sends results via HL7v2 ORU message. Status: processing
6. Result Entry -- Results appear in Bio Ecko (auto from analyser or manual entry). Status: resulted
7. QC Review -- Senior tech/pathologist validates. Delta check against previous result. Status: validated
8. Report Delivered -- Result visible in doctor's EMR, printable, shareable via ABDM. Status: delivered

Critical Result Handling: If any parameter falls in the critical range (e.g., Potassium > 6.5 mEq/L):

• An immediate alert is sent to the ordering doctor
• The lab must document verbal communication of the critical value
• Bio Ecko logs the alert time and acknowledgement time for NABH compliance

Try It Yourself:

1. Log in as doctor, order a CBC for a test patient
2. Switch to lab technician role, find the order in the worklist
3. Enter sample results manually (enter one critical value)
4. Verify the critical alert triggers
5. Switch back to doctor role, check the result in the EMR

Radiology Module

The radiology module manages imaging orders, worklists, and reports. It integrates with PACS for image storage and viewing.

Radiology Order Flow:

Modality Configuration:

FC Configuration:

• Set up radiology test catalogue with study codes, modalities, and pricing
• Configure PACS connection (IP, port, AE Title)
• Map DICOM Modality Worklist fields
• Create report templates per study type (structured reporting)
• Configure TAT targets per modality

Blood Bank Module

The blood bank module manages the full blood transfusion chain -- from donation to cross-match to transfusion to adverse reaction monitoring.

Blood Bank Workflow:

1. Donor Registration -- Donor demographics, screening questionnaire, vitals
2. Donation -- Bag collection with unique donation ID, volume, anticoagulant type
3. Component Separation -- Whole blood separated into PRBC, FFP, platelets, cryoprecipitate
4. Testing -- Blood group (ABO + Rh), TTI screening (HIV, HBsAg, HCV, VDRL, Malaria)
5. Inventory -- Components stored with type, bag number, collection date, expiry date
6. Cross-Match Request -- Doctor orders blood for a patient; lab performs cross-match
7. Issue -- Compatible unit issued to the ward/OT
8. Transfusion -- Nurse administers at bedside with barcode verification
9. Reaction Monitoring -- Post-transfusion observation for adverse reactions

Blood Component Inventory Table:

FC Configuration:

• Set up blood group coding (ABO + Rh + sub-groups if needed)
• Configure TTI test panel
• Set expiry alert thresholds (e.g., 7 days before expiry)
• Configure cross-match compatibility rules
• Set up adverse reaction categories and reporting workflow

Quality Control in Diagnostics

NABH and CAP require documented quality control processes in the lab.

Bio Ecko QC Features:

FC Setup:

• Configure QC material target values and ranges per analyser
• Set Westgard rule sensitivity (start with 1-3s for new implementations)
• Define delta check thresholds per test (e.g., Creatinine change > 50% triggers review)
• Set TAT targets per test and configure the TAT breach alert

Notes

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