Smartphone-based Mobile Web to Provide Laboratory Test Reference Information

Choi, Soo In; Jeon, Byung Ryul; Shin, Hee Bong; Lee, You Kyoung; Lee, Yong Wha

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Majority of clinical laboratories disseminate laboratory test information through guidebooks or handouts. However, these methods cannot instantly confer information, for example, when a novel laboratory test is introduced, or a change is made to a test request procedure or type of specimen involved. To overcome these limitations, we developed a mobile web application that is a laboratory test information repository, initially for use in Korea.
METHODS
We established a laboratory master database of searchable laboratory test information using a web-based framework. Information pertaining to clinical test indications, interpretation of test results, and related laboratory tests was revised; test request guidelines were also updated. Information concerning tests that are occasionally subject to change and newly introduced tests was updated promptly.
RESULTS
Our mobile web-based application uses the domain name www.schlab.org and can also be accessed via a desktop browser. The information for each test includes basic details such as specimen type, container, turnaround time, and so on and an introduction in addition to a more detailed explanation of associated tests and usage recommendations. The number of monthly visitors to the site was 529 (649 page views), with visitors using the mobile web for 31 seconds per visit.
CONCLUSIONS
We developed a mobile web application that provides information on laboratory tests. We improved on the existing method of transmitting such information (i.e., a laboratory request guidebook) by offering a system that provides updated test information and increased accessibility. Our method is expected to reduce instances of inaccurate or unnecessary test orders, improper specimen collection, delayed specimen arrival, and inappropriate treatment.