MANAGING CRITICAL LABORATORY RESULTS
Keywords:
Critical laboratory results, panic values, patient safety, healthcare quality, communication protocols, electronic health records (EHR), automated alerts, laboratory management, clinical workflows, rapid intervention, healthcare technology, alert fatigue, multidisciplinary coordinationAbstract
Managing critical laboratory results is a vital component of patient safety and quality care in healthcare settings. Critical laboratory results, often referred to as "panic values," indicate life-threatening conditions requiring immediate medical intervention. Effective management involves timely identification, communication, documentation, and follow-up to ensure appropriate actions are taken. Key strategies include implementing standardized protocols, leveraging electronic health record (EHR) systems for automated alerts, and fostering collaboration among laboratory staff, clinicians, and patient care teams. Challenges such as communication delays, alert fatigue, and discrepancies in result interpretation necessitate robust quality improvement initiatives and training programs. By optimizing processes and integrating advanced technologies, healthcare organizations can minimize errors, improve outcomes, and enhance overall patient safety.
