The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) in South Africa has launched a new mobile application to provide healthcare professionals with quick and reliable access to laboratory testing information. The app, named “NHLS Laboratory User Handbook,” is now available for free on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
The digital tool is designed for clinicians, medical officers, nurses, laboratory staff, and other healthcare workers who rely on diagnostic support in their daily work. It offers immediate access to laboratory test protocols, specimen collection guidelines, test turnaround times, and diagnostic interpretation notes, allowing faster and more informed decision-making at the point of care.
According to the NHLS, the app is especially valuable in situations where printed manuals are unavailable or outdated. By providing real-time and continuously updated information, the platform supports accuracy in testing and treatment and reduces delays caused by missing or unclear documentation.
The application features a searchable A–Z list of laboratory tests, instructions for specimen handling, interpretation guides, and alerts on new tests or temporary service changes. Its user-friendly layout helps healthcare workers navigate quickly during time-sensitive cases.
The launch is part of the NHLS’s broader digital transformation initiative aimed at modernizing public health services, increasing efficiency, and decreasing administrative burdens. The organization said digitizing laboratory guidelines will help bridge service gaps between urban and rural healthcare facilities. Even in remote areas with limited resources, healthcare workers can now access the same up-to-date diagnostic information as those in major hospitals.
The NHLS plans to add future upgrades, such as integration with laboratory information systems, notification updates for urgent changes in test procedures, and expanded training resources.
Healthcare professionals can download the app directly from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and begin using it without needing to register or log in.