Using Lab Test/Misc for Surveillance Monitoring

Lab Test/Misc can be used for any surveillance monitoring that does not have a customized module in SYSTOC. You can record each screening test here, and then schedule future dates using the Recall option. This is useful for monitoring exposures to toxins such as lead or cadmium.

Do not use this approach for hepatitis B or TB because special SYSTOC modules exist for those exposures. The PDF forms also are a good way to handle biological monitoring, and may be used in combination with Lab Test/Misc as described in Using Lab Test/Misc for Physicals.

You will need to create task prototypes for the necessary tests, such as arsenic, lead, and others, depending on the medical surveillance program. If the patient is having the first test in a series, use Recalls to schedule future required activity. This process can be automated by setting up one or more Recall Series in File Maintenance > Recall Series (see Recall Series for more information).

Reports (F2) are used to keep the monitoring process flowing. Use Lab List for Employee Health to inform a company that surveillance procedures are occurring on schedule. Use Recall Letter to Patient to remind a patient of future scheduled activity. This report prints the F3 memo that is in the relevant Lab Test/Misc record. Use Recall Letter to remind a company of future appointments for its employees.

If a patient has been exposed to hazardous material, you may wish to check the OSHA standards to see what follow-up is required. You can check the OSHA's website for Hazardous and Toxic Substances.