When and how results are shared may vary depending on the type of clinical test, where it is performed, and the practice’s established procedures. However, once test results are available, patients expect to be informed in a timely manner, whether it’s from their treating provider or the laboratory or facility that conducted the tests. 

Test result communication policy

No one wants a missed or delayed reporting of a test result – regardless of the outcome.

To ensure test results are communicated appropriately, we encourage providers to implement policies and procedures that confirm the:

• Patient (or designee) knows when to reasonably expect the results of clinical tests and how they will receive them.
• Patient confidentiality is protected, regardless of how the results are given.
• Patient understands what to do if test results aren’t received within the expected time frame.
• Test results are shared in a sensitive, understandable manner that includes all information needed to make informed decisions about future treatment.
• Ordering provider is notified and has access to results prior to patient notification if the patient will receive results directly from a third party.

Key definitions to include in a test result communication policy

You may want to consider adding the following key definitions at the beginning of your test result communication policy to help standardize understanding of these terms across many users.¹

Additional information

For more helpful recommendations to develop or amend a test result communication policy, check out Eight Recommendations for Policies for Communicating Abnormal Test Results.   

1 Eight Recommendations for Policies for Communicating Abnormal Test Results.