to main content Laboratory Reports - Testing Facility Name and Address | Laboratory | Document and Process Control DC | The Joint Commission
Laboratory Reports - Testing Facility Name and Address

For the purpose of printing the name and address on a laboratory report, what is considered the testing facility?

Any examples are for illustrative purposes only

The name and address of the laboratory where the test is performed and a final result is generated must appear on the report. When a pathologist travels to multiple locations or reference laboratory computers are interfaced, this requirement may be overlooked. Below are some common scenarios to consider:
  • A 'traveling" pathologist keeps offices at more than one laboratory. If cytology or histopathology slides are taken from one office to another, the name and address of the laboratory where the final interpretation is rendered must appear on the report. This applies even if that location is different from the specimen's originating laboratory.
  • Laboratory A contracts with a pathologist from Laboratory B to perform frozen sections. While Laboratory B may issue the report, Laboratory A's name and address must be on the report as the testing facility. In addition, Laboratory A would be required to have a CLIA certificate for the histopathology specialty.
  • A reference laboratory's computer is interfaced with the referring laboratory's computer and test results are downloaded directly into the referring laboratory's information system. While reports may be issued from the referring laboratory's information system, the requirement to clearly identify the name and address of the reference laboratory on each of their results still applies. In any of the above cases, the report may be printed on either the testing or the reporting facility's letterhead. If the latter, there must be clear notation on the report indicating the name and address of the testing laboratory, such as an appended comment or footnote.
Manual: Laboratory
Chapter: Document and Process Control DC
First published date: April 11, 2016 This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on November 01, 2021
Was this response helpful?

If no, please comment on how we could improve this response.

If you have additional standards-related questions regarding this topic, please use the Standards Online Submission Form

Get Extra Help with Books and E-books

Browse our gallery of books and e-books to find trusted prep and readiness resources, practical checklists and toolkits, and resources on specialized health care topics.

Stay Informed with Online Education

Online education is the most convenient and cost-effective way to educate your staff and minimize expenses without the need to leave your organization.

Reach Your Safety Goals with eProducts

Assessing and sustaining compliance with accreditation standards or CMS CoPs can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Rely on our proven software solutions developed by our team of industry experts.

Can't Find What You're Looking For?

If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact the Standards Interpretation Group (SIG).

Note: To provide adequate support to those organizations that are either accredited/certified or seeking accreditation/certification, we will only answer those questions submitted by those organizations seeking accreditation/certification or currently accredited/certified by the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission no longer answers questions submitted by students or vendors. Thank you for your understanding.