A lab slip, also called a lab ticket or requisition, is the form an insurance carrier or paramedical vendor uses to order specific laboratory tests for an applicant during underwriting. It typically lists required blood and urine tests, identification information, barcodes, and handling instructions for the examiner and laboratory. The lab slip ensures that the correct panels are drawn, properly labeled, and transmitted to the appropriate lab for analysis. In life insurance underwriting, lab slips are central operational documents that bridge the carrier's underwriting requirements with the paramedical vendor's collection process, helping maintain chain of custody and test accuracy for every case.

In day to day practice, advisors see lab slips indirectly when scheduling paramed exams or responding to questions from examiners. The carrier or vendor generates the lab slip based on case size, age and amount requirements, and underwriting guidelines. For a small term policy, the slip may call for minimal testing, while a large permanent policy on an older client might require extensive panels, EKGs, or additional specimens. When errors occur, such as missing tests or incorrect applicant information, underwriters may order repeat labs, causing frustration and delays. Advisors can help by confirming demographic details, coaching clients on fasting or hydration instructions, and following up with vendors when scheduling or collection issues arise. A solid understanding of the lab slip's role in the process helps producers troubleshoot problems quickly, reduce redraws, and keep cases moving smoothly from exam to underwriting decision.