Understanding Turnaround Time (TAT) in Junction

Last updated: July 31, 2025

Overview

Turnaround Time (TAT) estimates help you set expectations and improve internal operations by showing how long lab results typically take to return.

TAT is available at the test, panel, and order level for walk-in, on-site, and mobile phlebotomy in both the API and dashboard. Panel and order-level TAT is based on the slowest test in the set.

TAT for test kits is not currently supported.

To learn more about the TAT endpoint in the API, visit our docs.

Each TAT includes:

  • "Common" Expected Turnaround Time → The number of days results will usually arrive by (covers ~95% of orders)

  • "Worst-Case" Latest Expected Turnaround Time → The number of days a small amount of results will take due to delays (covers ~99% of orders)

TAT is calculated from the time of collection, not from order creation. These estimates are based on historical performance per test, not static lab-wide averages.


For tests without sufficient data to make this calculation, TAT will show as "N/A".

How to Use TAT

For Patient Support & Communication

  • Set expectations on when results will arrive

  • Use “Common/Expected TAT” to inform emails, SMS, and portal copy

  • Use “Worst Case/Latest Expected TAT” to define when escalation or follow-up is needed

For Internal Operations

  • Set or refine SLAs for different test types

  • Flag delays using “Worst Case” TAT as a threshold

  • Reduce manual status checks with clarity on typical timelines

In the Dashboard

Test Catalog

TAT is displayed as "common" and "worst-case" in the test details view when sufficient data is available.

Screenshot 2025-07-20 at 10.40.36 PM.png

Your Panels

TAT is displayed as "common" and "worst-case" in the panel details view when sufficient data is available.

Screenshot 2025-07-20 at 10.41.13 PM.png

Order Details - Overview

TAT is displayed as "expected" (common), "latest expected" (worst-case), and "actual" in the order details overview when sufficient data is available.

Screenshot 2025-07-25 at 5.04.00 AM.png

Order Details - Events

TAT is displayed using "expected" (common), "latest expected" (worst-case), and "actual" in the order details events when sufficient data is available.

Screenshot 2025-07-25 at 5.04.16 AM.png

Order Creation Flow - Select Order Set

TAT is displayed as "expected" (common) in the order creation flow when sufficient data is available.

Screenshot 2025-07-31 at 8.59.31 AM.png

FAQs

What if a result takes longer than the worst-case estimate?

This is rare (<1% of orders), but possible due to lab errors, sample issues, or unexpected delays. You may want to create internal workflows to flag these for support follow-up.

Can I customize how TAT is shown to patients?

Yes! You can use the TAT fields in your own frontend and communications, tailoring the copy and thresholds to your brand tone and patient population.