The Laboratory Observation template defines the format for the results of observations generated by laboratories. The scope includes observations such as hematology, chemistry, serology, virology, toxicology, microbiology, and pathology observations. The section often includes notable results such as abnormal values or relevant trends, and could contain all results for the period of time being documented.

Laboratory results are typically generated by laboratories providing analytic services in areas such as chemistry, hematology, serology, histology, cytology, anatomic pathology, microbiology, and/or virology. These observations are based on analysis of specimens obtained from the patient and submitted to the laboratory.