Glossary
Accession - The formal reception of a specimen/requisition (includes determining if the specimen is acceptable for testing); i.e., “logging it in.”
Activity - A step in a workflow. For example: "Create Batch" is an activity in a DNA Extraction workflow.
Activity Chain - Multiple activities in a sequential chain that makes a workflow. For example: "Create Batch" > "Data Import" > "QC" constitute an activity chain.
Assay - A laboratory test performed on an instrument or series of instruments. Can also refer to a specific gene/test/analyte within a test panel.
Barcode - A printed label or QR code that goes on a sample container for internal tracking. Barcodes can be used to scan and enter received samples in the LIMS.
Batch - A group of samples undergoing a diagnostic test together.
Batch Plating - The process of moving samples from an original container to a secondary container.
CGx - Abbreviation for clinical genomics.
Column Headers - Labelled titles for each column in your data files that come off your instrument and are uploaded into Ovation. It is important that the column headers of your data files match the column headers configured in your workflows.
Compendium - A questionnaire sheet that asks you to enter information about tests to be performed in Ovation, instrument-specific information, a sample datafile, and organization-specific report information. Completed during on-boarding.
Container - Anything that holds a sample, whether in storage or during the execution of a diagnostic test. Often given a barcode for internal tracking.
Data File - A file that comes off of an instrument and is uploaded into Ovation for analysis at the data import step. After analysis and QC, a report is generated.
Diagnosis - A provider identifies the cause of a patient’s illness/diseases/symptoms using diagnostic tests.
Extraction - When one material, such as DNA or RNA, is isolated from a specimen or sample using reagents.
Global Search - The search bar that queries the entire OvDx site. You may search by requisition ID, NPI #, sample ID, patient name, or patient date of birth.
Instrument - A machine that is used in the process of performing a diagnostic test. Instruments may or may not generate a datafile for analysis.
Integration - A connection between Ovation and a third-party that allows communication and/or data transfers. Ovation offers integrations via webhooks, HL7, and REST API. An example is an integration between OvDx and a billing provider where billing messages are transferred automatically after a report is signed.
Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) - OvDx is a LIMS platform, and Ovation users get a URL specific to their organization and diagnostic tests.
Panel, Test - A common, named, combination of diagnostic tests. For example, a lab may use a respiratory pathogens panel, where a patient is tested for multiple respiratory pathogens at once.
PGx - Abbreviation for Pharmacogenomics.
Pool - When multiple samples are combined to one container it is considered a "pool" in OvDx. Also a verb. For example, a laboratory might pool multiple patient samples in a single container, and the pool is tested for the presence of Covid-19.
Portal - An OvDx environment that is a separate URL for providers and their sales reps, and is where provider contacts place orders for patient tests. The order starts the accession process in the LIMS. LIMS users set up each provider account in their LIMS URL, then the provider receives an email invitation to set up a password for portal access. The portal delivers reports to providers after the report is signed in the LIMS.
Production - An OvDx environment that is a URL specific to your organization where requisition, workflow, portal, and report features are confirmed to meet your needs. Production is for processing real samples and delivering reports to providers, as opposed to Sandbox, which is for testing and development.
Project - OvDx allows an organization to segment samples and requisitions into Projects based on how the laboratory is organized and desires to have testing grouped. Users can only view samples and requisitions belonging to Projects to which they’ve been assigned.
Project Request Form - These should be used to request and track any changes to the configuration of your OvDx LIMS platform. If you need changes made or would like to request additional functionality, please submit a Project Request Form.
Provider, Health Care - The person requesting a diagnostic test for a patient; has an NPI number.
Provider Account - A Provider Account is another term for clients who submit orders. For example, ABC Clinic or XYZ Hospital could be Provider Accounts. You can find other information, such as Provider Contacts and contact information, stored in OvDx. To see more details, view our knowledge base article Adding a New Provider Account.
Provider Contact - An individual given portal access on a provider’s behalf. Provider Contacts are the only role allowed to submit test orders in the portal.
Queue - A list of samples that have been added to a workflow; also, the act of adding a sample to a workflow.
Quality Control (QC) - The step in the workflow after data import where users review results from the datafile. Users reject or accept samples based on control thresholds. If samples are approved at QC, reports will be generated.
Report, Diagnostic - A document that reports test results back to the ordering health care provider or patient.
Requisition (Test Order) - A formal request for one more diagnostic tests to be performed. Samples are queued to the appropriate workflow after a requisition is submitted and signed in the LIMS.
Requisition Identifier (Requisition ID) - Unique identifier in OvDx that represents one order. Can be auto-generated or manually entered.
Requisition Report - A comprehensive report of all the key operating metrics from OvDx and any available billing metrics.
Result(s), Test - A sample or specimen is determined to be positive or negative for a tested agent or genetic component. The result allows a provider to give a diagnosis.
Role - Determines which features and components of the LIMS a user has access to. Users are given roles when they are added to the system.
Sample Identifier (Sample ID) - Identifier in OvDx that represents one patient sample. Can be auto-generated or manually entered.
Sample Plating - The process of adding a batch of samples to a testing plate.
Sandbox - A URL specific to your organization where requisition, workflow, portal, and report features are first modified to meet your needs as specified in the contract. Sandbox is for testing and development.
Scope of Work - The expectations of work to be performed by Ovation as identified and listed in the contract. If you wish to expand on the work to be performed in your contract, then a Project Request Form should be submitted after consulting with your sales rep.
Subject, Test - The individual whose specimen is being tested. Usually, but not always, the patient.
Template, Requisition - The specific formatting for a lab’s requisitions, under a project. A template is selected for each requisition in the LIMS and Portal to determine which fields are required.
Test, Diagnostic - An assay or series of assays used to get a test result (see Result, Test).
Training Pack - Used to create, distribute, and track personnel training that is required for various roles.
Turn-around Time (TAT) - The total time taken for a sample to be processed from the time of accession to report generation.
User - A person entered into the LIMS and given a role (ex. accessioner, lab director, admin). Users can only view samples and requisitions belonging to Projects to which they’ve been assigned.
User Interface (UI) - What can be seen in the LIMS on a user’s sandbox and production URLs.
Validation - The process where you, with your implementation lead, run validation samples through workflows to confirm that Ovation operates to your expectations. Validation is typically performed twice before real patient samples are processed: first in sandbox, then in production. You submit written approval of your sandbox URL and production URL before you can “go-live.”
Workflow - A chain of laboratory activities that is configured in OvDx to track samples through an execution of an assay or diagnostic test. Workflows track samples through activities such as batch creation, DNA or RNA extraction (see Elution), data import, and QC. Steps can be broken up into multiple workflows (see Pools) as needed. A report is generated after QC is completed in a workflow. See Workflow Guides for specific workflow information.