Laboratory workflow is a set of procedural rules used to manage and coordinate tasks between people and systems in the laboratory.1 The easiest way to think of workflow in the clinical laboratory is in a format that uses a checklist or flowchart of all procedures and tasks that every person in the laboratory must understand and follow to maintain a smooth operation.
Workflow in the clinical laboratory is a tedious task. Workflow begins with the provider ordering the tests, followed by specimen collection, proper labeling, storage and transport, processing, testing, in-lab review of results, and finally, reporting of the results to the designated provider.2 There are multiple workflow procedures along this path. For example, lab workflow for sample procurement and management is a defined process that ensures that all steps and requirements are correctly followed. The same can be said for each step along the path of workflow.
