Direct-to-consumer laboratory workflows

Connect Direct-to-Consumer Testing to Your Laboratory Workflow

Avalon LIS direct-to-consumer lab testing software connects patient ordering, lab-defined intake, kit tracking, specimen processing, secure result delivery, and optional AI-assisted interpretation. It also supports direct access testing (DAT) programs configured around laboratory policies and applicable requirements.

Give patients a simpler path to testing while your team keeps the operational visibility and control expected inside the lab.

One connected workflowKeep patient and laboratory steps aligned.
Kit-to-result visibilityFollow distributed collection programs more clearly.
Secure patient accessDeliver released results through the portal.
Patient-to-Lab JourneyConnected
1
Patient registersLab-defined information is collected
Ready
2
Order and kit are connectedTrack the correct patient and specimen
Linked
3
The laboratory processes testingWork stays within the LIS workflow
In Lab
4
Released results reach the patientPortal access and notifications
Secure

From order to result

A Direct-to-Consumer Workflow Built Around Your Laboratory

Direct-to-consumer lab testing is more than a patient-facing form. Each patient action must become a complete, traceable laboratory workflow.

Register

The patient enters required demographics and contact information online.

Collect

Lab-defined intake, consent, and test-specific information are captured.

Track

The order, collection kit, and specimen remain connected as they move to the lab.

Process

Your team performs testing and review through the Avalon LIS workflow.

Deliver

Released results are available through secure patient access with notifications.

Core capabilities

Keep the Patient Experience Connected to Lab Operations

Avalon brings the patient-facing and laboratory-facing parts of DTC and direct access testing together so staff are not reconciling disconnected forms, spreadsheets, emails, and result systems.

01

Online Registration and Ordering

Support patient registration and eligible test selection according to your laboratory’s policies, menu, and program requirements.

02

Digital Patient Intake

Collect demographics, contact details, consent, and test-specific questions before the order reaches your staff.

03

Collection Kit Tracking

Connect distributed kits to the correct patient or participant and follow the specimen from registration through receipt.

04

Connected LIS Processing

Keep patient-direct orders inside the same operational environment used for specimens, testing, review, and reporting.

05

Secure Result Delivery

Give patients portal access to released reports and use SMS or email notifications when results become available.

06

Optional AI-Assisted Context

Avalon Insights can create source-referenced, patient-friendly educational context to accompany appropriate result reports.

Flexible program support

Built for More Than One Patient-Direct Testing Model

Configure the workflow around the way your laboratory accepts orders, receives specimens, and communicates released results.

  • Reduce duplicate data entry and incomplete paper forms.
  • Improve visibility across kits, specimens, orders, and released results.
  • Keep laboratory review and release controls at the center of the workflow.
  • Provide a more consistent experience for patients and laboratory staff.
Wellness TestingPatient-accessible testing programs built around a lab-defined menu.
At-Home CollectionConnect collection kits, patient information, and specimen receipt.
Drug and Alcohol TestingSupport kit-based and toxicology-related programs from registration to reporting.
Outreach ProgramsCoordinate distributed testing while keeping laboratory status visible.

Compliance-aware by design

Keep Laboratory Policies and Human Review in Control

Available tests, ordering rules, intake requirements, collection methods, notifications, and result-release workflows should reflect your laboratory’s policies and applicable requirements. Avalon supports the operational workflow; each laboratory remains responsible for configuring and operating its program appropriately.

For current federal laboratory requirements, review the CMS Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments information page. State and local direct-access requirements may also apply.

Connected Avalon capabilities

Extend the Workflow Without Creating Data Silos

Frequently asked questions

Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing FAQs

What is direct-to-consumer lab testing?

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) lab testing allows a patient to initiate eligible laboratory testing outside the traditional provider-ordering path. CMS also calls this direct access testing (DAT). Availability, ordering requirements, and permitted tests vary by laboratory program and state.

Can patients order every test through Avalon?

No. The laboratory determines which tests are eligible, what information is required, and how each order should be handled based on its policies and applicable requirements.

Can Avalon track collection kits?

Avalon can connect kits with patient or participant information and help laboratories follow kit usage, specimen receipt, processing, and reporting across supported workflows.

How do patients receive their results?

After laboratory review and release, patients can access reports through the Avalon Patient Portal. Notifications may be sent by SMS or email based on the configured workflow.

Does Avalon Insights replace medical advice?

No. Avalon Insights is designed to provide educational, source-referenced context and discussion points. It does not replace diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a licensed healthcare professional.

Plan your patient-direct workflow

Ready to Offer Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing?

Tell us how your patients order, how specimens reach the lab, and how you want results delivered. We’ll show you how Avalon LIS can connect the workflow.

Schedule a Demo