| Test ordering | The clinician's decision process about which test(s) to order and the transmission of that information to personnel responsible for performing the test or obtaining the specimen |
| Test tracking | The clinic's internal monitoring and reconciliation processes for the expected transmission of results of tests ordered from laboratories |
| Test result notification | The processes by which a patient learns of test results and how recommendations for action are transmitted to the patient |
| Patient follow-up | The processes by which abnormal test results or results needing action by the patient are tracked until that action is taken or refused by the patient |