1. What is RICS?
2. Does RICS handle specimens?
3. Why do you have 2 stage interpretation?
4. Can RICS Integrate with Laboratory Analytical Automation Systems?
5. Can RICS Integrate with LIS (LIMS) Systems?
6. Are all requests data entered prior to the specimens arriving at the lab?
7. How does the Lab staff view the Pathology Request form?
8. Are the fields entered into the various stages configurable?
9. Is RICS configurable?
10. Could RICS be modified to provide a training module?
11. Can RICS be used without the multistage entry,
    only as an Image capture and queue to full data entry?
12. Can RICS be used to only Archive forms?
13. How does the system handle Add on tests?
14. Can the request form be printed?
15. What barcode formats are supported?

What is RICS?
RICS is the Request Image Capture System for Pathology from DDI Health.

Does RICS handle specimens?
RICS records when specimens arrive in the lab, but does not currently record individual specimens. It could be enhanced to support specimen capture.

Why do you have 2 stage interpretation?
RICS can use a double blind data entry across 1st, 2nd and 3rd stage data entry to check the key information is entered correctly. (Tests, DOB, billing). RICS can be setup to capture and cross check any information. This is configurable depending on your specific requirements. By double blind checking of data entry, it eliminates errors flowing into the laboratory where they would ultimately cost significantly more, by wasting the time of professional staff, or even worse, resulting in an incorrect test being undertaken.

Can RICS Integrate with Laboratory Analytical Automation Systems? RICS broadcasts to e.g. the Bayer HealthCare Diagnostic's Centralink system via the ASTM1394 standard.
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Can RICS Integrate with LIS (LIMS) Systems? Yes. The level of integration depends on the openness of the LIS/LIMS being used. Interface via ODBC to the data base back end is a typical example of where integration occurs.
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Are all requests data entered prior to the specimens arriving at the lab? Typically all requests that have been scanned by RICS are fully data entered prior to arrival at the lab.
It is usual for labs to have smaller collections centre such as small GP's who do not have a RICS collection centre.
These requests will arrive at the lab and obviously not be scanned. The RICS SRA module will mark the specimen as received and advise the operator to scan the form. Once scanned the form will be prioritized through data entry based on the specimen arrival time.
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How does the Lab staff view the Pathology Request form? By Barcoding the specimen LabID into RICS the form will be displayed. Depending on agreement with the LIS vendor the image could be displayed directly in the LIS or via a link in the LIS.
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Are the fields entered into the various stages configurable? Not configurable by the user, but can be modified easily.
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Is RICS configurable? All the commonly edited information such as Tests, Centers, Users etc can be configured by the manager.
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Could RICS be modified to provide a training module? Yes the idea has been suggested to create a module that contains a range of sample images. New staff could then work through the sample set and see their results after completion.
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Can RICS be used without the multistage entry, only as an Image capture and queue to full data entry? Yes
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Can RICS be used to only Archive forms? Yes. A Request can be set as Archive only when scanned and it will not proceed to the data entry queues.
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How does the system handle Add on tests? Add on tests can be phoned in by the doctor. (There are complex medicare rules about what can be added, when and what paperwork must be completed and sent in). Add-on tests generally get entered straight into the LIS. RICS can print the Request form and an add-on note can be written upon it prior to rescanning it back into the system. Any Add on paper work can be scanned into RICS for Reference.
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Can the request form be printed? Yes.
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What barcode formats are supported? Code 39 Code 128 (In development)
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