Most of the time are AutoReview rules can file results as satisfactory, borderline or abnormal. However, there are occasions when its not possible to know at the point of filing what the outcome of the result is. In these cases, the result is filed as "Unknown".
Times when results will be filed as unknown:
- Protocols need to be ran to compare latest results against personalised targets, e.g. for non-HDL, or HbA1c
- Results may be within the normal range but the patient should be reviewed by a clinician to see whether actions should be taken, e.g. a normal ferritin in a patient with Haemochromatosis
- Results need to be compared with past results and/or other results to determine the outcome, e.g. an eGFR that may now signal a CKD diagnosis, or could be normal for the patient.
Its not ideal to file results in this way as it can lead to more queries from patients when they see their results online. We're trying to minimise the amount this happens but sometimes its the only appropriate option.
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