US · guidance
CMS SOM App. C, Tag D5815
§493.1291 Standard: Test report
(h) When the laboratory cannot report patient test results within its established time
frames, the laboratory must determine, based on the urgency of the patient test(s)
requested, the need to notify the appropriate individual(s) of the delayed testing.
Interpretive Guidelines §493.1291(h)
If the turnaround time for reporting patient test results will be delayed, which may
negatively impact patient care, the laboratory should have an alternative method for
reporting patient results.
Cite deficiencies only when the laboratory has failed to notify its client(s) when delays in
testing patient specimens have the potential for or are adversely affecting patient care.
Probes §493.1291(h)
What criteria has the laboratory established for notifying the appropriate individual of the
delay in testing? Use D5403.
How will the laboratory report patient test results if the LIS, network (phone, fax,
printers, electronic health records, etc.), or test system is down? What are the laboratory
procedures if the LIS, network, or test system is down for an extended time?
History
Rev. 233; Issued: 09-12-25; Effective: 09-12-25; Implementation: 09-12-25
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-07-22
- Edition
- som-2026-07-22
- Content hash
410fd831145d42657988fefacd32fdf9189f2bd016e765a003cf89ca6dd80cb0
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