Via hospital computer system

Tests can be ordered from any hospital terminal using Epic. To change or update Order Entry functionality, call ITG Epic Help Desk at 503-494-222. When Order Entry is not available, go to Forms and Requisition site and use a manual requisition for the appropriate service.

Orders to add tests to a sample already in the lab must be placed in the Epic system and are subject to sample availability. Lab staff will notify the requestor if they are unable to add the test due to specimen problems.

Written orders from OHSU sites (also called manual or downtime orders)

All orders not placed via the hospital information system are written on laboratory downtime forms and sent to the lab with the specimen.

All written requisitions must include the following minimum information: full patient name and medical record number. Additionally, Transfusion Medicine Service specimens and requisitions must have the signature of the person collecting the blood and the date the specimen was drawn. The information on the sample label and on the requisition must match exactly. A second signature is required on all Transfusion Service requirements verifying patient identifiers.

Samples not meeting the labeling requirements will not be processed. Approval to run the test may be granted by the ordering physician and the Clinical Pathology resident on-call in extraordinary circumstances.

Additional information needed for proper processing of samples is: test name, time and date of collection and source when appropriate.

Off-hill physicians who do not have access to OHSU electronic order entry systems should use the Laboratory Service Downtime Form on the Forms and Requisitions page. If this is unavailable for some reason, requests may be submitted on the OHSU reference lab requisition; or use physician office letterhead with complete patient information, including name, DOB (patient must register with OHSU at 503-494-8505, ICD9 codes, tests requested, physician name and signature and physician contact information.

From referral clients

The Laboratory Referral Requisition is available online or by calling Lab Client Services at 503-494-7383. These requisitions allow clients to provide OHSU with complete information needed to bill the patient or a third party carrier.

Special patient information sheets are required when requesting screening for Maternal Serum AFP, Estriol, Inhibin, and HCG. Upon request, these special requisitions will be supplied by the Lab Client Services at 503-494-7383

Verbal, add-on, and phone orders

Verbal orders will not be accepted. Orders to add testing to a sample already in the lab must be placed via the Epic system if available, or via Downtime Requisition or Laboratory Referral Requisition. Lab staff will notify the requestor if a sample is not available.