Viewing Advisory Messages

In some situations, the lab might be uncertain about which tests to perform (for example, if the physician sent two specimens but ordered only one test), or the lab might not be able to perform a particular test (for example, if the amount of specimen collected was not sufficient or viable). Tests that were not completed because insufficient information was available are referred to as tests in question (TIQs); tests that were not performed because it was not possible to do so or because the order was canceled are referred to as tests not performed (TNPs).

Depending on what the lab supports, you might be able to view a list of advisory messages related to just TNPs, or both TNPs and TIQs. This list encompasses both new test reports and previously printed reports.

The results are displayed on two tabs: Summary and Detail. The Summary tab includes the requisition number, accession number, specimen collection date, patient name, and date of the report. Depending on the lab, it might also include additional information, such as the name of the test that could not be performed or feedback about a test in question. The Details tab includes all of the information on the Summary tab, along with the complete advisory message.

On both tabs, all TIQ messages appear under the TIQ Accessions heading; all TNP messages appear under the TNP Accessions heading. If a single report includes multiple messages, each message is listed separately. For example, if a report includes one TIQ and two TNPs, there would be one entry under TIQ Accessions and two under TNP Accessions, each with the same requisition number.

You can print the information that appears on each tab, as well as each associated report.

Note: You cannot view advisory messages for data that has been archived, which typically encompasses any reports more than three years old.