Interpretative reports and critical values

mikrobik — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:43:00 +0000

Interpretative reports and critical values
Elisa Piva and Mario Plebani

Clin Chim Acta 404(1);2009:52-58

In the clinical laboratory to allow an effective testing process, post-analytical activity can have two goals in trying to improve patient safety: result interpretation and communication of critical values. Both are important issues, and their success requires a cooperative effort. Misinterpretation of laboratory test results or ineffectiveness in their notification can lead to diagnostic errors or errors in identifying patient critical conditions. With the awareness that the incorrect interpretation of tests and the breakdown in the communication of critical values are preventable errors, laboratorians should make every effort to prevent the types of errors that potentially harm patients. In order to improve the reliability of laboratories, we attempt to explain how interpretative reporting and automated notification of critical values can be used to reduce errors. Clinical laboratories can therefore work to improve clinical effectiveness, without forgetting that everything should be designed to provide the best outcomes for patients.

Critical values list

mikrobik — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:35:00 +0000

CRITICAL VALUES LIST
A critical value is defined as one that represents a pathophysiological state at such variance with normal as to be potentially life threatening or which requires immediate medical attention. The Department of Pathology Clinical Service has developed in conjunction with the UTMB Quality of Care Committee, a system for reporting critical values. When a critical value is obtained, it is repeated when appropriate, called, then verified.
Process for Reporting Critical Values:
Inpatients: Laboratory personnel will report critical values to a licensed independent practitioner and request a verification readback of the critical value.
Outpatients: During normal clinic hours, the values may be reported to either the physician or nurse. After hours, laboratory personnel contact in order, the requesting physician, if unavailable, the Faculty Physician, and then the Healthcare Hotline. The Healthcare Hotline is then responsible for notifying the services senior resident on duty and if unavailable then, the faculty on blue pager.
NOTE: The attending pathologist calls Surgical Pathology critical values directly to the attending healthcare provider, however readback is not required.

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Interpretative reports and critical values

Critical values list