Laboratory
Two-way integration between the analyser and the software: what it really changes
One way, the analyser sends a result. Both ways, nobody copies it out any more. The difference: three fewer data-entry steps for every test.
5 min read
Most practices have a haematology or biochemistry analyser a few metres from the consulting room. The result is out in a few minutes. The time is lost elsewhere: in the data entry that surrounds the test.
One test, four data-entry steps
With no integration, or with a one-way integration, a test generally takes four data-entry steps.
On the analyser
You type in the animal's name, its species, sometimes its age.
On the result
You collect the printout or the file, and work out which animal it belongs to.
In the record
You copy out the values, or attach the document to the record.
On the invoice
You add the test line. This is the step most easily forgotten.
One way: the result arrives, the rest remains
A one-way integration removes the third step: the analyser sends its result to the software. But the animal still had to be entered on the analyser, and the result still has to be attached to the right record. Depending on the equipment, the transfer is even triggered by hand, from the analyser's menu.
Both ways: a single data-entry step
With a two-way (bidirectional) integration, the software speaks first. The vet requests the test from the consultation. The analyser receives the request with the animal's identity, which appears on its worklist. The result then comes back to the right record by itself, and the invoice line is created.
- The animal's identity is entered only once, at check-in.
- A result can no longer end up in the wrong record.
- Every test that is run is invoiced.
- Results can be compared from one visit to the next, with reference ranges.
Questions to ask your software vendor
- Does the integration with my analyser run both ways, or only from the analyser to the software?
- Does the result arrive with reference ranges, or as raw values?
- Is the integration included in the subscription, or charged per analyser?
- What happens if the internet connection drops during a test?
- Is the invoice line created automatically?