Below is a summary of Rob’s EHR activity during his five day stay in the hospital. You have the results of his chest X-ray and see several other tests are to be performed. As a laboratory or radiology technologist, you are responsible for obtaining and providing test results to assist the physician in diagnosing Rob’s condition. One of those tests is an interior inspection of the lung called sputum cytology. Using his EHR and Internet research, answer the questions and be prepared to discuss the responses with the rest of Rob’s healthcare team.


  1. Internet Research: List four types of lung cancer biopsy procedures and explain what each entails.


  2. Internet Research: Why was a sputum cytology performed?


  3. Review Rob’s Inpatient EHR: Laboratory results, shown in blue or red, indicate abnormal results. Which tests of Rob’s are abnormal?

    On Your Own: Why do you think it helps the healthcare team to see the lab results this way?


  4. Internet Research: You meet with the physician and review all the tests he has ordered. How does a spirometry test (also known as a pulmonary function test), a PET scan and a Complete Blood Count (CBC) help determine Rob’s treatment options?
View Rob’s EHR – Inpatient Chart