Reference Laboratory Overview

The Reference Laboratory module supports B2B relationships where your lab processes specimens for client laboratories — or acts as a send-out hub for specialized testing. Manage client accounts, inbound orders, result delivery, and consolidated invoicing from /reference-lab.

Business models

flowchart TB
    subgraph Model A["You as reference lab"]
        CL[Client lab] --> YOU[Your processing]
        YOU --> RES[Results to client]
        YOU --> INV[B2B invoice to client]
    end
    subgraph Model B["You send outsource"]
        YOU2[Your lab] --> REF[Reference partner]
        REF --> RES2[Results back]
    end

Model	EaseLab focus
Inbound reference	Clients & orders, B2B invoicing
Outbound outsource	Outsource tests report

This documentation emphasizes inbound reference workflows.

Module access

Route	Screen
/reference-lab	Dashboard and client list
Client detail	Orders and result status
Invoicing	Period billing to clients

Feature may be plan-gated — verify subscription.

Key entities

Entity	Description
Client lab	B2B customer organization
Order	Batch of specimens from client
Accession	Barcode linked to client reference ID
Result package	Verified results returned to client
B2B invoice	Periodic charges for processed tests

Workflow summary

flowchart LR
    O[Client order received] --> ACC[Accession samples]
    ACC --> PROC[Process + verify]
    PROC --> DEL[Deliver results]
    DEL --> BILL[Generate B2B invoice]
    BILL --> PAY[Client payment]

1. Register or select client lab.
2. Create order with client manifest (barcodes, tests).
3. Accession into standard sample workflow.
4. Process and verify results.
5. Publish results to client portal or export.
6. Bill per contract on invoicing schedule.

Client communication

Channel	Use
Portal login	Client views order status
Email / API	Automated result packages
PDF manifest	Shipping paperwork
HL7 / JSON	Integration for large clients

Align transport security with client IT requirements.

Pricing models

Model	Configuration
Per-test list	Client-specific rate list
Volume tiers	Monthly brackets
Panel pricing	Profile bundles
Rush surcharge	TAT-based fees

Map to dedicated rate lists or manual invoice lines.

Permissions

Reference lab operations typically require:

Module	Need
catalog.view	Test mapping
samples.*	Accession
results_entry.*	Processing
invoices.*	B2B billing
Reference lab feature flag	Plan

Define a Reference Lab Technician role without patient retail invoice rights if workflows must separate.

Separate client barcodes

Prefix client barcodes (CLIENT-A-####) to avoid collision with walk-in patients.

Reporting

Report	Value
Outsource tests	Send-out tracking
Test performance	Volume by client test
Financial summary	B2B revenue segment

Tag invoices with client reference for clean exports.

Quality and compliance

Control	Practice
Chain of custody	Log specimen receipt time
Turnaround SLA	Per contract in CRM notes
Critical values	Callback to client MD, not patient
Proficiency	Retain QC records per accreditation

Read-only mode

B2B order intake may be blocked in read-only mode. Existing client result retrieval should continue for relationship continuity — confirm deployment behavior.

Related documentation

• Clients & Orders
• B2B Invoicing
• Laboratory: Samples
• CRM