The blood test journey, from order to result

A blood test passes through several hands between the patient asking for it and the patient reading the result. This resource sets out those stages as Doxtor handles them. It describes the workflow, not which tests a patient should have: that decision belongs to the clinic.

1. Choosing the tests

The clinic chooses tests for the patient: its own panels, the laboratory’s panels, biomarker groups or single biomarkers. A biomarker is never ordered twice, even when two choices include it.

2. Placing the order

The order records the patient, the tests and the price. Placing it issues the order’s barcode and sends the order to the laboratory electronically.

3. Collection

The clinic collects the samples the tests need: each tube or container, how many, and which tests it is for. See how sample requirements are worked out.

4. Labelling and dispatch

Every sample is labelled with the order’s barcode, packaged as the laboratory asks, and sent. The clinic marks the samples as sent. See labelling and sending samples.

5. At the laboratory

The laboratory confirms when it has received the samples, and the order shows it. The laboratory then analyses them. Doxtor does not perform laboratory testing.

6. Results

The laboratory reports the results, which arrive on the order and in the patient’s record with their units, reference ranges and flags. The report is released as the laboratory sent it, and the patient is told it is ready.

7. The patient

The patient opens a secure link, or the clinic’s patient portal on Doxtor Pro, and reads their report. Questions about what a result means go to the clinic.

Every stage is recorded on the order’s timeline, so the clinic can see where any order is at any time.