Skip to main content

​
Overview

Creating an accession is the first step in the testing workflow. An accession groups together a subject, samples, and test orders for a specific testing event.
You must have Lab Tech or higher permissions to create accessions.

​
Before You Start

Gather the following information:
  • Subject Information — Case ID and any additional identifiers
  • Sample Details — Sample types, collection dates, and tube types
  • Test Orders — Which tests need to be performed
  • Organization Details — Client organization and receiving lab

​
Creating a New Accession

1

Navigate to Create Accession

From the home page, click the New Accession button (usually in the top navigation or sidebar).
2

Enter Subject Information

If the subject exists:
  • Start typing the Case ID or name
  • Select the matching subject from the dropdown
  • Existing information will auto-populate
If this is a new subject:
  • Enter the Case ID (required)
  • Add Date of Birth if available
  • Select Sex (for sex-specific reference ranges)
  • Add any additional identifiers (MRN, UNOS ID, etc.)
3

Add Organization Details

  • Creating Organization — The client submitting the request
  • Receiving Lab — Your laboratory (usually pre-selected)
  • Reference Lab — If tests will be sent out (optional)
4

Set Priority and Details

  • Priority — Routine, Urgent, or STAT
  • Requisition ID — External reference number (if applicable)
  • Tracking ID — Shipping tracking number (optional)
  • Collection Timezone — Timezone for sample collection timestamps
5

Add Samples

For each sample:
  • Sample Type — Blood, serum, urine, etc.
  • Tube Type — EDTA, SST, etc.
  • Collection Date/Time — When the sample was collected
  • Additional Fields — Depending on your lab’s configuration (lot number, expiration, source, etc.)
Click Add Sample to add multiple samples to the accession.
6

Add Test Orders

Select the tests to be performed:
  • By Panel — Choose a panel (e.g., CBC) to add all tests in that panel
  • Individual Tests — Add specific tests one at a time
  • Link to Sample — Specify which sample each test should use
You can add multiple test orders, each linked to the appropriate sample.
7

Review and Submit

  • Review all entered information
  • Check for any validation errors (shown in red)
  • Click Submit to create the accession
The accession will be created with status New.

​
Required Fields

Minimum required information to create an accession:
FieldDescription
Case IDSubject identifier (creates new subject if doesn’t exist)
Creating OrganizationClient submitting the request
At least one SampleSample type and tube type
At least one Test OrderTest to be performed
bLIS will highlight missing required fields in red. You cannot submit an accession until all required fields are filled.

​
Tips for Efficient Entry

Instead of adding tests one by one, use panels to add multiple related tests at once. For example, selecting the “CBC” panel automatically adds all complete blood count tests.
Always search for existing subjects before creating a new one. Start typing the Case ID and bLIS will show matches. This prevents duplicate subject records.
If your lab frequently orders the same combination of tests, ask your administrator to create panels or test order templates.
Press Tab to move between fields quickly. Press Enter in dropdowns to select the first match.

​
After Creating the Accession

Once created, the accession will:
  1. Appear in the accession list with status New
  2. Be assigned a unique 8-digit accession ID
  3. Be ready to receive specimens when they arrive at the lab

​
Next Steps

Receive Specimens

When specimens arrive, mark the accession as received to begin testing.

Print Labels

Generate barcode labels for sample tracking (if label printing is configured).

​
Common Issues and Solutions

If you try to create a new subject with a Case ID that already exists, you’ll see an error. Search for the existing subject instead.
If a test you need isn’t available, contact your lab administrator. Test specifications must be configured before tests can be ordered.
Check for red borders or red text indicating missing or invalid fields. Common issues:
  • Missing required fields
  • Invalid date formats
  • Sample without test orders, or vice versa

Viewing Accessions

Learn how to find and view accessions.

Managing Accessions

Complete workflow for receiving and processing.

Subjects Concept

Understanding subject records.

Samples Concept

Learn about sample tracking.