> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.blis.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Holds

> Learn how holds pause accession processing and alert technicians to special conditions.

## What is a Hold?

A **hold** is a flag placed on an accession to pause processing and alert lab staff to a special condition that requires attention before work can continue. Holds prevent results from being finalized or reports from being generated until the issue is resolved.

## When to Use Holds

Common scenarios for placing a hold:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Sample Quality Issues" icon="triangle-exclamation">
    Sample is hemolyzed, clotted, insufficient quantity, or otherwise compromised.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Missing Information" icon="circle-question">
    Required patient information, clinical details, or test specifications are incomplete.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pending Confirmatory Testing" icon="flask">
    Initial results require confirmation or additional testing before reporting.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Client Communication Needed" icon="phone">
    Need to contact the client about results, specimen issues, or billing questions.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Types of Holds

Holds can be categorized by their purpose:

| Type               | When to Use                                                      |
| ------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Specimen**       | Sample quality issues (hemolysis, clotting, insufficient volume) |
| **Clinical**       | Missing clinical information needed for interpretation           |
| **Technical**      | Equipment malfunction, reagent issues, or QC failures            |
| **Administrative** | Billing questions, missing paperwork, or authorization issues    |

<Note>
  Hold types may vary based on your lab's configuration. Check with your lab manager for specific hold categories available in your system.
</Note>

## Creating a Hold

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the accession">
    Navigate to the accession that needs a hold.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click 'Add Hold'">
    Look for the **Add Hold** or **Create Hold** button (location varies by view).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select hold type">
    Choose the appropriate hold category.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter a description">
    Provide a clear explanation of why the hold is being placed and what needs to be resolved.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit">
    Save the hold. The accession will now be flagged with an active hold indicator.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Active Hold Indicators

Accessions with active holds are prominently marked:

* **Hold icon** appears on the accession in list views
* **Hold banner** displays at the top of the accession detail view
* **Hold description** explains why the hold was placed
* **Status blocking** prevents finalization and reporting

## Resolving Holds

To resolve a hold:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Address the issue">
    Take the necessary action to resolve the problem (recollect specimen, obtain missing information, complete confirmatory testing, etc.).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Document resolution">
    Add a comment to the accession explaining how the issue was resolved.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Remove the hold">
    Click **Remove Hold** or **Resolve Hold** to clear the flag.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Continue processing">
    The accession can now proceed through the normal workflow.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Only remove a hold after the underlying issue has been fully resolved. Removing a hold without addressing the problem can lead to incorrect results or reporting errors.
</Warning>

## Hold History

bLIS maintains a complete history of all holds:

* When each hold was created
* Who created the hold
* Why the hold was placed
* When the hold was resolved
* Who resolved the hold

This audit trail is important for quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

## Permissions

* **Creating holds** — Typically available to Lab Techs and above
* **Removing holds** — May require Lab Manager or higher permissions, depending on your lab's configuration

<Tip>
  If you encounter a hold but don't have permission to resolve it, add a comment explaining what you've found and notify a lab manager.
</Tip>

## Impact on Workflow

While a hold is active:

* ❌ Results cannot be finalized
* ❌ Reports cannot be generated
* ❌ Charges on the accession are not invoiced until the hold is resolved or canceled
* ✅ Results can still be entered
* ✅ Tests can still be performed
* ✅ The accession remains visible and accessible

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Managing Accessions" icon="list-check" href="/guides/managing-accessions">
    Full accession processing workflow.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Accessions Concept" icon="flask" href="/concepts/accessions">
    Understand the accession lifecycle.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>