The pathology clinical laboratories have noted an increase in use of add-on test orders for specimens that are not yet collected.

Placement of an add-on order is intended for situations where an acceptable specimen is already present in the laboratory.  Add-on tests are processed on the most recent viable sample in the lab.  If viable specimen is not available, the laboratory will contact the ordering LIP to notify that the order cannot be performed.

Additional laboratory tests needed for the next sample collection should be ordered with priority of Routine.

Questions should be directed to Matthew Krasowski, MD, PhD, medical director of the Clinical Laboratories (384-9380, matthew-krasowski@uiowa.edu).