Lab reports patients and doctors trust
Signatures, reference ranges, critical values and outsourced tests: how a small pathology lab can send reports that stand up to scrutiny.
For pathology labs and clinics with a lab · 4 min read · updated 15 Oct 2026
Who signs
A pathology report must be signed by a qualified pathologist with their registration number. Software should let only the people you name as signers approve and release results.
Ranges that fit the patient
- Reference ranges by age and sex, from your own analyser and kit inserts, not a generic list.
- Abnormal values flagged high or low on the report, and in the patient's portal.
- Critical values (a potassium of 6.8, say) called to the doctor straight away, with who was told and when written down.
Tests you send out
When a test is run by a reference lab, the report must say which lab did it. Track what went out, when it's due back and what it cost.
Getting reports to people
- A signed PDF on WhatsApp the moment it's approved, with a link only the patient can open.
- Hold reports until the bill is paid if you choose; the patient sees the bill to pay.
- Doctors and clinics that send you samples get their patients' reports and a monthly statement.