ANALYTICAL TEST MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

Disclosed is an analytical test management system and method that can in certain embodiments reduce the likelihood that errors are made during the performance of combinations of analytical tests that together are used to provide an analytical result that can be the basis of a diagnosis or a treatment decision. In one embodiment, test orders submitted through a test order interface are received at a test manager module that decides whether the test order is for a simple test or whether the test order is for a combination of tests. If the test order is for a simple test, the test order is forwarded to an analyzer for processing. If the test order is for a combination of tests that together lead to a final result, the test order manager module assumes control over the test order and directs the analyzer according to secondary test requests, the results of which are used by the test order manager module to, for example, decide whether additional secondary test requests should be sent to the analyzer or make calcu