2025 Labs Release Notes

December

New

• HL7: Patient race and ethnicity standard codes can now be included in HL7 (PID.10 and PID.22, respectively). Custom mapping of race/ethnicity codes is also available. Contact the Lab Integration Team at [e-mail] to configure your interfaces.
• EMR: EMR Super Admins can now customize available lab order duration options, providing greater flexibility while aligning with lab-specific workflows and policies.
• Labels: Added support for smaller Dymo labels (1" x 2 1/8") to better fit smaller blood vials, improving label placement and scan reliability.
• Labels: Enhanced Dymo label content to include MR number, collection time, location name, and account (MSH.6 value), and updated the barcode type to Code 128 for improved scan reliability. It is now also possible to include the specimen source code and up to five test codes on the label. Contact the Lab Team at [e-mail] to configure for each EMR client.
• Interfaces: Lab interfaces that had no reports for 6+ months will now be automatically disabled on the 15th of the month. This update helps maintain a clean, secure interface environment and reduces unnecessary monitoring of inactive connections. 

November

New

• HL7: Added the ability to suppress empty NTE segments in HL7 messages. This update helps streamline message structure and reduce unnecessary segments. Contact the Lab Integration Team at [e-mail] to request configuration.
• HL7: Added the ability to suppress empty IN1 segments in HL7 messages. This behavior is now the default configuration. If you would rather receive IN1 information (regardless of insurance presence or Bill To value C, P, or T), please contact the Lab Integration Team at [e-mail].
• EMR: Added the ability to configure a maximum order duration for lab orders. When enabled for an EMR client, users cannot create orders that remain active beyond the defined limit, helping prevent stale or outdated orders.
• EMR: Added a shortcut allowing users to send the requisition immediately after printing the label, streamlining workflow and reducing clicks.

Fixed

• KipuLabs: Fixed an issue with CDR generation to ensure consistent and accurate output. Read more details about CDR functionality here.

October

New

• EMR: Added a setting that requires orders from different providers to be split into separate requisitions. Each requisition will have its own specimen ID and will be sent as its own HL7 file, helping prevent provider attribution issues and simplifying downstream processing. Contact the Lab Team at [e-mail] to configure this feature for your interfaces.
• EMR/HL7: Added support for multiple lab accounts under a single lab interface. When enabled, EMR users will be prompted to select the appropriate lab account for the lab order, and the selected account will be sent in MSH.6 in HL7, supporting cleaner routing and billing by account. Contact the Lab Integration Team at [e-mail] to configure this setting if applicable.

September

New

• Labels/HL7: Updated the label sequence ID format from 8 digits to 10 digits. This change ensures continued unique label generation as we approach the 8-digit limit. EMR clients using pre-printed 8-digit label rolls may continue using them without disruption.

Fixed

• HL7: Removed dashes from the Insurance phone number field (IN1.7) in HL7 messages. This update aligns with standard formatting expectations and helps prevent downstream parsing or validation issues.

August

New

• KipuLabs: KipuLabs users can now set up 2FA using an authenticator app as their primary method, with email available as a fallback. This change makes signing in faster and more secure than the previous email-only 2FA option.

July

New

• EMR/HL7: Added a setting to allow entry of a Reporting Comment during the requisition creation process. This update enables clients to provide information that the lab can later include in the report notes, improving communication and report clarity. Contact the Kipu Lab Team at [e-mail] to configure this setting for your interfaces.
• EMR: Patient-level notes (PID → NTE segment) are now displayed in the EMR lab report view. This change brings better clinical context to the report for improved review and decision-making.
• EMR/HL7: When the Lab Testing section is used, we now send primary and secondary insurance information to the selected lab with the order. If neither insurance is selected, all active facesheet insurances will continue to be sent, giving more control over billing data while preserving existing behavior.

June

Fixed

• EMR: Requisition AOE dropdown questions no longer auto-select the first answer. This behavior ensures that the user must intentionally select a response, reducing accidental or inaccurate order data.
• HL7: Resolved an issue where, in some cases, an incorrect provider review timestamp was sent via HL7. This fix improves audit accuracy and ensures downstream systems receive reliable review data.
• EMR: Fixed an issue that caused result PDF attachments to arrive in the EMR with a 3-4 hour delay. Results now appear more reliably and without unnecessary lag.
• KipuLabs: Removed a previous limitation that prevented KipuLabs users from editing their name, email, and password in their profile. Users can now manage their account details directly, reducing friction and support needs.