Automate EPIC lab result verification

Problem Context

Lab technicians use EPIC software to verify test results like flu, strep, and COVID. Before finalizing results, they must manually enter lot numbers and expiration dates for reagents—even though these details are already printed on labels or stored in other systems. This step adds unnecessary delays to high-volume workflows.

Pain Points

Technicians waste time clicking into fields, typing lot numbers, and verifying expirations. The lack of tab navigation forces them to stop and manually select each field, slowing down batch processing. Current workarounds (e.g., copying from labels or using spreadsheets) are error-prone and don’t integrate with EPIC.

Impact

Delays in result verification can backlog lab workflows, leading to missed deadlines for patient reports or regulatory submissions. The repetitive manual entry also increases the risk of typos, which could invalidate test results. For high-volume labs, this adds up to hours of wasted time per week—directly cutting into productivity and revenue.

Urgency

This is a daily frustration for lab staff, especially during peak testing periods. Without automation, technicians spend more time on data entry than actual analysis. The problem can’t be ignored because it directly impacts lab efficiency, compliance, and patient care timelines.

Target Audience

Clinical lab technicians, microbiologists, and quality assurance staff in hospitals, reference labs, and diagnostic centers. Any lab using EPIC software for result verification faces this issue, particularly those processing high volumes of infectious disease tests (e.g., flu, COVID, strep).

Solution Approach

A lightweight browser extension or desktop app that automatically detects and fills EPIC’s lot number and expiration fields during result verification. The tool uses OCR to read lot numbers from printed labels or pulls data from lab inventory systems via API, eliminating manual entry. It also enables tab navigation between fields for faster workflows.

Key Features

1. One-click tab navigation: Lets users cycle through fields without manual clicking, saving seconds per entry.
2. Error validation: Flags mismatches between entered lot numbers and system records to prevent invalid results.
3. Template-based setup: Users define field mappings once, and the tool applies them automatically for all future verifications.

User Experience

Technicians open EPIC and start verifying results as usual. The tool runs in the background, auto-filling lot/expiration fields from labels or inventory data. They can tab through fields quickly and finalize results without manual data entry. The app requires no training—just install and start using it during verification.

Differentiation

Unlike generic automation tools, this solution is built specifically for EPIC’s field structures and lab workflows. It avoids clunky macros or unsupported workarounds by integrating directly with EPIC’s UI. The OCR/API hybrid approach ensures compatibility with both printed labels and digital inventory systems, which no free tool currently offers.

Scalability

The tool scales with lab volume—more tests mean more time saved. Labs can add seats for additional technicians, and the app can integrate with larger lab information management systems (LIMS) for enterprise use. Future updates could include batch processing for high-throughput labs or custom field mappings for specialized tests.

Expected Impact

Labs save 5+ hours per week on manual data entry, reducing backlogs and improving turnaround times for results. Fewer errors mean fewer invalidated tests and happier compliance officers. The tool pays for itself within weeks by restoring lost productivity and preventing costly mistakes.