Laboratory Forms

Laboratory forms are structured documents used to record, track, and manage lab activities, samples, tests, and compliance processes. They help labs collect consistent information for sample intake, experiment documentation, equipment use, results reporting, and safety procedures in a clear and organized way. Laboratory forms are commonly used in research labs, clinical labs, educational labs, manufacturing QA labs, and environmental testing settings. Typical use cases include sample submission, chain of custody documentation, test request forms, lab result reporting, equipment logs, and safety incident reporting. By standardizing lab workflows, laboratory forms reduce errors, improve traceability, and support quality and regulatory requirements.

With Jotform, laboratory forms can be created quickly using a no-code, drag-and-drop Form Builder and customized for different lab workflows. Conditional logic can show different fields based on test type, sample category, or urgency, while file upload fields can collect supporting documents such as protocols or reference files. Submissions are stored in Jotform Tables so authorized teams can track samples, monitor turnaround, and maintain searchable records. Automated notifications help labs route submissions to the right team members and respond faster when urgent or nonconforming cases occur.

Use Cases of Laboratory Forms

Laboratory forms support sample handling, testing operations, and documentation across research and quality workflows. Below are common ways these forms are used and the problems they help solve.

Possible Use Cases:

• Sample submission and intake requests
• Lab test request and prioritization forms
• Chain of custody and sample transfer documentation
• Lab result reporting and approval workflows
• Equipment usage and maintenance logs
• Safety, incident, and nonconformance reporting

Problem-Solving Points:

• Improve traceability for samples, tests, and results
• Reduce missing details during sample intake and test requests
• Support quality control and compliance documentation
• Help labs track workload, turnaround, and exceptions

Possible Owners and Users:

• Lab technicians and laboratory managers
• Researchers and students submitting samples
• Quality assurance and compliance teams
• Clinical or diagnostic staff (where applicable)
• Safety officers and lab coordinators

Differences of Creation Methods:

• Sample submission and intake forms focus on sample identifiers, collection details, storage conditions, requested analyses, and priority or turnaround needs.
• Lab testing and results forms emphasize test methods, measurement fields, quality checks, reviewer sign-offs, and reporting format requirements.
• Lab equipment and compliance forms prioritize equipment IDs, calibration or maintenance status, usage logs, safety checks, and incident documentation when issues occur.

How to Create a Laboratory Form

Creating a laboratory form with Jotform helps you capture lab data in a consistent format and keep lab workflows traceable from intake to reporting.

1. Choose a Template or Start from Scratch

In My Workspace, click “Create” and select “Form.” You can start with a request or log template and customize it for laboratory workflows. A Classic Form works well for detailed submissions, while a Card Form can guide users step by step and reduce incomplete entries.

2. Add Core Lab Context and Identification Fields

Use Add Element to collect submitter details, lab department, sample ID, test type, date/time, and any required reference or project identifiers. Dropdowns help standardize sample categories and test methods.

3. Build Sections Based on Lab Workflow

Include sample intake details (collection method, quantity, storage temperature), test request fields (method, turnaround time), and reporting requirements (units, pass/fail criteria). For equipment logs, include equipment ID, usage duration, and condition notes.

4. Use Conditional Logic for Different Tests and Priorities

Conditional logic can show different sections for different test types or sample categories, and additional fields for urgent or regulatory cases. For example, if “Clinical” is selected, show required patient identifiers or approval fields (as applicable). If “Urgent” is selected, show escalation and notification fields.

5. Add Supporting Documentation and Attachments

Use file upload fields for protocols, reference documents, photos, or instrument output files. This improves traceability and reduces back-and-forth.

6. Publish, Test, and Track Submissions in Jotform Tables

Preview and test the form before publishing. Share it internally or with approved submitters. Submissions are stored in Jotform Tables, where teams can filter by sample ID, test type, priority, and status.