Verbal orders may be requested on specimens already in the laboratory (add-on tests) or in other situations patients may be referred to the laboratory. The laboratory will request the patient name, location, medical record number (MRN), ordering physician’s name, location, physician code, and telephone number; and diagnostic code. In the case of add-on tests, if the specimen is acceptable for testing, the test will be performed and the results will be released. In addition, the laboratory will send a verbal order sign-off form to the requesting physician that needs to be signed by the physician and returned to the Laboratory Customer Service Center within thirty days.

Laboratory staff taking a verbal order will repeat the order back to the individual making the verbal request, per accreditation requirements.