Lab report can be accepted as a document for sick leave

Whether a lab report can be accepted as a document for sick leave?

If the lab report is signed by a qualified doctor (pathologist) with his/her signature and seal, this can be considered as a supporting document for availing sick leave.

Hi,

What test was taken by the employee? That is crucial. Even blood group can be identified through a blood test, which is also a lab report. If the employee is diagnosed with Malaria/Dengue and submits a positive lab report, then that report can be considered valid and genuine.

Also, the date of the report should match the period of absence.

The lab report cannot be accepted as documentation for sick leave because the report does not address the sickness. The reports serve as indicators but do not specify the type of ailment one is suffering from. A doctor's prescription is mandatory for sick leave.

Mr. Prabhat,

Nowadays, one can easily obtain a doctor's certificate by paying Rs. 100. This is the reason lab reports are required if laboratory services are utilized.

Mr. Lakshmi Narayanan,

Lab reports are also available inexpensively. The diagnosis of an illness can only be made by a doctor, who may recommend lab tests to determine the cause and severity of the sickness. Common symptoms like fever, body pain, or joint sprains cannot be identified through lab reports alone. Therefore, both a doctor's prescription and a lab report are necessary for an extended leave of absence. In this context, the author did not mention the reasons behind emphasizing the importance of lab reports.

Yes, agreed, but the percentage is very low. Investigation reports supported with a doctor's note are highly recommended. Mere prescriptions are not trustworthy when issued by general practitioners, as per my assessment.

A well-formatted lab report, duly signed and sealed by a Pathology Doctor, is a bonafide document. It contains not only details of tests carried out and their results but also information about the consulting doctor and their diagnosis of the patient, in addition to the patient's details and the treatment starting date. Therefore, it can be considered a valid document.

Anyhow, upon resuming duty after sick leave or treatment, a person must also provide a medical fitness certificate.

A case study:

In my previous company, there was a 20-bed hospital. A particular employee asked for 2 days of sick leave every month. According to company rules, non-executive staff are eligible for 7 days of sick leave and 2 days of half-pay leave. Every calendar year, that particular employee also used CL & EL for sickness. I once called the doctor to understand the reasons behind the frequent sickness episodes. The doctor explained that the employee experiences severe pain in the lower abdomen, waist, and vomiting due to painful monthly periods. Sometimes, the employee even needs to be admitted to the hospital.

It appears to me that the requirement of a medical certificate connected with the sick leave of an employee is a bonafide document of medical examination conducted by a qualified medical practitioner indicating the specific sickness and the extent of the leave of absence from employment required.

Whereas a lab report is a supporting document assisting a doctor to do necessary treatment either pre-diagnosis or post-diagnosis. Therefore, a mere lab report cannot be accepted in the matter of leave sanction on medical grounds.