OpenELIS Global Capability for selecting a specific method for a given order

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Hello Good people,

I want to understand whether the following capability is achievable with OpenELIS Global. Specifically relating to the order interpretation and the actual test done.

In one of our context, the order is at a higher level - meaning not a specific test identified to a specific LOINC code, but indicating the higher level). For example: TB Test from Blood Sample, can be done either QFT or T-Spot. The Doctor would just order TB Test, but the lab based on its capability would decide whats the method (which leads to the actual test). If the Doctor has specified the specific method in her notes, the lab would select that, otherwise they would call the Doctor to check on specificity.

Is there a way this can be done in OpenELIS, where the lab tech at the time of accession, decides what specific test will be done?

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@angshuonline if i understand you correctly i would interprete this as essentially a “reflexive or interpretive test selection” workflow meaning that the ordered concept doesn’t map one-to-one to a LOINC-coded test definition until the lab assigns the final method.

In OpenELIS Global, the test catalog is where every test is formally defined, including:

  • Its name
  • Its LOINC code (optional)
  • Its methodology / test section
  • Its sample type
  • Its analytes / results structure

When a clinician places an order (either manually in OpenELIS or via an interfaced system like OpenMRS or DHIS2), that order references a specific test already defined in this catalog.

So, by default:
OpenELIS expects a specific, pre-defined test to be selected at order time, not at accession time.

However, there are configurable patterns that can approximate what you want.

cc @Moses_Mutesasira

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@Agaba_Derrick_Junior yes, you are correct.

I know that request codes map one to one directly to the tests to be done. Would you please elaborate the “configurable patterns” that may approximate the desired behavior?

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In my opinion, I would try to ;
Create a generic “TB Test” that can be ordered.
Add a “Preferred Method” field or order note.
Lab tech uses that field to decide which concrete test to run, then manually swaps it in.

We can have
Parent test: TB Test (Generic) has no fixed method or LOINC, used for ordering.
Child tests:

  • TB Test – QFT
  • TB Test – T-Spot

How it works

  • Clinicians can order TB Test (Generic).
  • At accession time (or immediately after), we can try to manually add the actual test to be performed QFT or T-Spot and cancels or closes the generic placeholder test.
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Thanks for the clarification @Agaba_Derrick_Junior

So, is it fair to assume that if OpenELIS has such capability, that if no much field or attribute (about preference) is passed as part of order, ELIS would show option (or force user) to select a test defined with codes?

Or are you saying, that ordering the panel, both the tests will automatically be selected for “accession” and user will have to unselect one?

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@caseyi @Moses_Mutesasira @Agaba_Derrick_Junior if you could clarify please

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@ angshuonline Thanks for the follow up
OpenELIS requires manual selection of the concrete test at accession if the order is generic. It does not automatically expand the order into multiple tests, nor does it force a selection by default. if a generic test is ordered without a specified method, the system does not automatically select a concrete test. The generic test simply appears in the accession list, and the lab tech must manually choose which specific test (e.g., QFT or T-Spot) to perform. OpenELIS does not pre-populate multiple child tests or force a selection, so any guidance, like a “Preferred Method” note, is purely for the tech’s reference. This ensures that only the test actually performed is recorded and reported correct !

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In OpenELIS Context

  • A Doctor’s Order in OpenELIS can include multiple tests (e.g., TB Test, HIV Test, Blood Culture, etc.).

  • Each test in that order can later be performed using one of several available methods

Example Workflow

  1. Doctor places an order .

    • Example: “TB Test from Blood”
      Note that the Order can have multiple tests for different sampletypes and each test is associated to a speific Loinc code

  2. At testing time, the lab staff chooses the method used to perform that test, such as:

    • EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay)

    • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

    • STAIN (Microscopy)

    • CULTURE (Bacterial culture)

    • PROBE (DNA/RNA probe)

    • BIOCHEMICAL

    • DNA SEQUENCING

    • HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography)

    • AUTO (Automated analyzer)

    • MANUAL (Manual method)

    • HIV_TEST_KIT (specific rapid test brand)

    • SYPHILIS_TEST_KIT (specific rapid test brand)

  3. The system (OpenELIS) records:

    • The ordered test (e.g., “TB Test”)

    • The method actually used (e.g., “QFT” → EIA method, or “T-SPOT” → ELISPOT method)

    • The final result from the test

This structure makes OpenELIS flexible — it allows a single generic test order to be fulfilled by different test methods depending on lab setup or available equipment

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