Final answer:
Laboratory test results entered into a patient's Electronic Health Record (EHR) are usually available immediately, facilitating timely healthcare decisions and treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When information such as the result of a laboratory test is entered into a patient's Electronic Health Record (EHR), the information is typically available for viewing immediately. Modern EHR systems are designed to update in real-time, allowing healthcare providers to access test results as soon as they are entered into the system. This immediate access helps in providing timely care and treatment decisions.
In the context of this question, this rapid access is crucial, especially in scenarios such as the one described, where the hospital is dealing with HIV screenings. Quick access to results can accelerate the counseling protocol process for any patient whose indirect ELISA came back positive, allowing for prompt and appropriate action to be taken.