> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.elationhealth.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Orders Guide - Creating tests for Order Forms

## Overview

### What are user-created tests?

For our [5 order forms](/articles/Order-Forms-Introduction-Ordering-medical-tests-for-your-patients#value) (lab, imaging, cardiac, pulmonary, and sleep), all users can create additional tests with custom names. These user-created tests are saved in the respective compendium of each order type and can be ordered for any patient.

Please note, if you are eOrdering labs (i.e. you have a bidirectional interface with a lab vendor), you’ll be required to use their proprietary compendium and won’t be able to include user-create tests.

### What is the purpose of user-created tests?

User-created tests give you more flexibility when placing an order - it means you’re not constrained to the tests that are in Elation’s generic compendium. After a test is created, anyone in your practice can select the test when creating a lab order for any patient.

## Workflow Instructions

The instructions for creating a lab test are different from the instructions for creating an imaging, cardiac, pulmonary or sleep. Follow the instructions below carefully when creating the test you need.

### Creating a lab test

To create a lab test:

| **1** | Open a lab order draft.                                                        |
| ----- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **2** | Type the full name of the new test in the **Tests** field.                     |
| **3** | In the dropdown menu, click **Create a new test with this name** .             |
| **4** | Verify the name of the test in the pop-up box that appears.                    |
| **5** | Click **Create Test** to save the test to your practice's lab test compendium. |
| **6** | You can now use this user-created lab test for any patient.                    |

<Warning>
  Take caution when adding new lab tests to your test database. User-created lab tests cannot be edited or deleted.
</Warning>

### Creating an imaging, cardiac, pulmonary or sleep test

To create an imaging, cardiac, pulmonary or sleep test:

| **1** | Open the Order Form that the test is associated with.                              |
| ----- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **2** | Type the full name of the new test in the **Test** field.                          |
| **3** | Complete the rest of the order as you normally would.                              |
| **4** | Sign the order.                                                                    |
| **5** | The test is now stored in your database and you can use this test for any patient. |

<Warning>
  Take caution when adding new lab tests to your test database. User-created tests cannot be edited or deleted.
</Warning>

## Frequently Asked Questions

### I noticed I misspelled a test after I added it to my test database. Is there a way for me to edit it?

User-created tests cannot be edited or deleted. You will need to create the test again using the correct spelling.

### How many lab tests can I add to a single lab order?

You can add up to 40 lab tests per lab order.

## Related Articles

* [Lab Orders & Results Introduction](/articles/Lab-Orders-and-Results-Introduction)
* [Lab Orders & Results - Using the regular Lab Order Form](/articles/Regular-Lab-Order-Form)
* [Lab Orders & Results - Using the electronic Lab Order Form](/articles/Electronic-Lab-Order-Form)
* [Lab Orders & Results - Managing lab order sets](/articles/Managing-lab-order-sets)