This document refers to integrations that are done between 2 labs using Dendi LIS. Dendi integrations are relatively seamless compared to traditional HL7 integrations, but still require some setup by both the sending and receiving labs. 

By default, Dendi - Dendi reference integrations are bidirectional. This means that data from orders in and results out are automatically sent to the relevant party. 

In order to set up an initial reference integration or update an existing integration with another Dendi customer, please contact support@dendisoftware.com.

Sending Lab Workflow

Sending lab refers to the lab that is sending the samples out. Most of the integration setup is done from the sending lab’s perspective - it is up to the sending lab to make sure that all workflows are properly implemented in both directions.

Test Profile Setup

Note: Test Profile/test names must not be taken when they are linked together. For example, the sending lab cannot have a Test Profile exactly named “COVID Test Profile” if it already exists on the receiving lab’s side. The Dendi team will coordinate Test Profile/test names with both parties to make sure that there are no naming conflicts.  

Before the sending lab can send samples to the receiving lab, the correct Test Profiles from the receiving lab must be set up and linked together. 

The Test Profile linkage is completed and curated by Dendi support, and any new Test Profiles that are linked must be approved by Dendi before they are made available to order. 

However, only the basic Test Profile attributes are copied over to the sending lab: attributes like test panel categories are not copied over and must be set manually. 

Test Setup

Tests that are linked to Test Profiles are automatically “copied” over from the receiving lab’s test menu. 

However, similar to the Test Profile setup, only the basic test attributes are copied over to the sending lab: attributes like reference ranges are not copied over and must be set separately by both labs. 

Ordering Process

Note: it is imperative that the Test Profiles/tests be curated carefully and to communicate all changes to both Dendi and the partner lab. For example, neither lab should change the name of any Test Profiles meant for reference.

If the Test Profiles and tests are set up correctly, the Test Profiles/tests will also show up correctly during order creation. To any outside observer, the test menu will be exactly the same as if all tests are done in-house. In addition, the ordering process will also remain exactly the same. 

Sendout Batches

Note: for each sendout batch, the sample labels must be re-printed for the receiving lab, so that the receiving lab’s barcodes are used instead of the sending lab’s barcodes. 

Once an order has been created at the sending lab using the linked reference Test Profile, the sending lab will be able to see the relevant orders in the Sendouts Table.

You can access this page by clicking expanding “Reference Testing” in the navigation menu on the left-hand side, then selecting “Sendout Samples”.

From the Sendouts Table, you can select samples to be batched together for another lab. You can filter by fields such as Account & Test Profile. The above image shows that there are 2 samples that can be batched together into a sendout batch.

From the Sendouts Table, you can select samples to be batched together for another lab. You can filter by fields such as Account & Test Profile. The above image shows that there are 2 samples that can be batched together into a sendout batch.

To utilize the intended workflow, sample labels must be printed out for the receiving lab and attached to each sample container - preferably overlaid on top of the sample label meant for your lab. The receiving Dendi lab will be using these provided barcodes to accession into their system. You can tell if a label is meant for the receiving lab if it says “Send: <RECEIVING LAB NAME” on the label.

Sample labels can be either individually printed, or printed all at once using the “Print All” button (see above). Sample labels will be printed in alphabetical order of Patient names (last, first) for easier sorting.

Shipping manifests (a summary of the sendout order) can be printed by clicking on “View shipping manifest”, then printing the PDF that opens up in a new tab. The shipping manifest should be printed and shipped alongside the samples to make it easier for the receiving lab to perform their accessioning workflow. 

Labels can be printed using Zebra printers. To see how to connect Zebra printers, please refer to Dendi LIS Documentation - Instruments. Shipping manifest PDFs can be printed with standard 8.5” x 11” printers.

Before shipping, the sending lab should verify and ensure that all the following conditions are met:

1. A shipping manifest for the batch is printed
2. All samples match up to what is included in the shipping manifest
3. Sample labels to be used by the receiving lab are attached to every sample

Note: While the Sample Labels List and Sample List for a given Sendout Batch will always be up-to-date, the Shipping Manifest PDF may not be. You may consider regenerating a Shipping Manifest if, for example, you archived some Orders that were part of the batch. The Shipping manifest PDF for a batch can be regenerated from the batch details page for said batch.

Results 

Immediately after the receiving lab performs and verifies the test results (a final report is generated), the quantitative and qualitative test results are automatically sent back to the referring (sending) lab.

Once the results are in, a final report is also generated from the sending lab’s point-of-view. This final report can be amended or edited as necessary, but it will contain (per CAP guidelines) the name of the reference lab as well as its address as a comment. 

Since both quantitative and qualitative test results are meant to be finalized by the reference (receiving) lab, the receiving lab’s results will overwrite the sending lab’s results, if they exist for any reason. The same is true for amended reports - if a receiving

Receiving Lab Workflow

Receiving lab refers to the lab that is receiving the samples/sendout batches. Since most of the integration setup is done from the sending lab’s perspective, the receiving lab’s workflow does not vary much after sample and order accessioning, which can be done in one of 3 ways:

• Scanning the barcodes on the sample tubes
• Scanning the barcodes on the included shipping manifest document 
• Accessioning each order on the order details page (unreceived orders)

After accessioning, the internal lab workflow & results verification steps remain the same. Once an order is fully verified (a final report is generated), the quantitative & qualitative results are automatically sent back to the sending lab. It is up to the sending lab to verify receipt of the results and make any amendments as desired.