45 Questions
What is a critical value in laboratory testing?
A test result that is significantly above or below the expected reference range
When should a critical value be reported to the ordering provider?
Promptly and directly
What type of laboratory tests are typically performed at the patient's bedside?
POC tests
What is the purpose of learning the difference between an elevated or decreased value and a critical value?
To understand the importance of immediate action
How can critical values differ between facilities?
They can differ over time and between facilities
What is the purpose of collecting and preparing specimens for POC and CUA-waived testing?
To insert specimens into automated clinical analyzers
What is the expected outcome of a POC test?
Either a quantitative numeric value or a simple positive or negative outcome
What should a healthcare provider do when they receive a critical value?
Take immediate action to address the potentially life-threatening situation
Why is it important to learn the general tests that providers monitor for critical values?
To become familiar with the tests that require monitoring for critical values
What is the significance of a fasting blood glucose level of 464 mg/dL?
It is a critical value
What is the primary component of a complete blood count (CBC) test?
Hematology
What is the purpose of a rapid antigen detection test?
To detect streptococcal pharyngitis
What is the significance of a patient's blood glucose level being above the high limit of the reference range?
It is a normal result for patients with diabetes mellitus
Why is it essential to compare the code on the glucometer with the code on the strips prior to each patient's testing?
To ensure accurate results
Who is responsible for reviewing and evaluating the results of point-of-care (POC) tests?
A licensed healthcare professional
What is the purpose of completing quality controls with a control material?
To verify the accuracy of test results
What is included in a complete metabolic panel (CMP) test?
Electrolytes, glucose, and cholesterol
What is the purpose of reporting results to providers?
To diagnose medical conditions
What is the purpose of logging data in the electronic health record (EHR) system?
To communicate with clinical staff
Who is responsible for ensuring correct and timely delivery of laboratory test results in reference laboratory facilities?
Laboratory personnel
What is the primary reason for requesting a verbal read-back of laboratory results?
To reduce the risk of communicating incorrect information
Which of the following is a benefit of using electronic reports to transmit laboratory results?
They can help track results and trigger alerts for laboratory changes or urgent results
What information should be documented when sharing verbal laboratory results?
All of the above
Which of the following is a way to reduce errors when reporting laboratory results?
Using electronic reports and documenting detailed result information
What is the purpose of submitting laboratory results via a secure method of distribution?
To protect the confidentiality of the patient's information
What is the advantage of using electronic medical records that can link to laboratories?
They can help track results and trigger alerts for laboratory changes or urgent results
What should be done with stat and critical laboratory results?
They should be reported immediately with a telephone call or in person
What is the main benefit of electronic reports compared to verbal or telephone reports?
They are more secure and less prone to error
What is the purpose of documenting detailed result information when sharing verbal laboratory results?
To provide a permanent record of the results
Why is it essential to maintain patients' privacy and confidentiality when reporting laboratory results?
To comply with HIPAA guidelines
All laboratory tests have a defined critical value.
False
A critical value is a test result that is slightly above or below the expected reference range.
False
Point-of-care (POC) tests are typically performed in a laboratory setting.
False
A fasting blood glucose level of 464 mg/dL is within the expected reference range.
False
Automated clinical analyzers are used for manual testing of specimens.
False
Sodium is a type of electrolyte that is typically measured in a complete blood count (CBC) test.
False
A blood glucose level above the high limit of the reference range is always a critical value.
False
A licensed healthcare professional is responsible for collecting and handling specimens for point-of-care (POC) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-waived tests.
False
Quality controls with a control material are only necessary when opening a new package of test strips.
False
Results of point-of-care (POC) tests can be reviewed and evaluated by healthcare assistants.
False
Written and electronic reports are more prone to error than verbal or telephone reports of laboratory results.
False
Phlebotomists can only upload test results for immediate access by the ordering provider.
False
It is not necessary to maintain patients' privacy and confidentiality when reporting laboratory results.
False
Only electronic reports can link to laboratories to receive patients' results automatically.
False
Stat and critical results should be reported in writing only.
False
Study Notes
Point-of-Care (POC) Testing
- POC tests are laboratory tests performed close to the site of patient care.
- POC testing involves being aware of values that indicate a potentially life-threatening or health-endangering situation.
- A critical value is a test result that is significantly above or below the expected reference range, requiring immediate response.
Critical Values
- Not all laboratory values have a critical level, but each laboratory or facility has a list of tests that require monitoring patients' results for critical values.
- Familiarize yourself with the general tests that providers monitor for critical values and learn the values for your organization.
- Critical values can differ by facility and can change over time.
POC Testing Examples
- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium)
- Hematology (WBCs, RBCs, Hct, Hgb)
- Glucose, hemoglobin A1c
- Cholesterol (HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides)
- Blood coagulation (PT, international normalized ratio [INR])
Reporting and Distributing Laboratory Results
- Report critical values promptly and directly to the ordering provider.
- Confirm and date-stamp all laboratory results and submit them via a secure method of distribution (verbal, telephone, written, computer reports).
- Stat and critical results should be reported immediately with a telephone call or in person, requesting a verbal read-back of the results to reduce risk of communicating incorrect information.
- Written and electronic reports are less prone to error than verbal or telephone reports of laboratory results.
Point-of-Care (POC) Testing
- POC tests are laboratory tests performed close to the site of patient care.
- POC testing involves being aware of values that indicate a potentially life-threatening or health-endangering situation.
- A critical value is a test result that is significantly above or below the expected reference range, requiring immediate response.
Critical Values
- Not all laboratory values have a critical level, but each laboratory or facility has a list of tests that require monitoring patients' results for critical values.
- Familiarize yourself with the general tests that providers monitor for critical values and learn the values for your organization.
- Critical values can differ by facility and can change over time.
POC Testing Examples
- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium)
- Hematology (WBCs, RBCs, Hct, Hgb)
- Glucose, hemoglobin A1c
- Cholesterol (HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides)
- Blood coagulation (PT, international normalized ratio [INR])
Reporting and Distributing Laboratory Results
- Report critical values promptly and directly to the ordering provider.
- Confirm and date-stamp all laboratory results and submit them via a secure method of distribution (verbal, telephone, written, computer reports).
- Stat and critical results should be reported immediately with a telephone call or in person, requesting a verbal read-back of the results to reduce risk of communicating incorrect information.
- Written and electronic reports are less prone to error than verbal or telephone reports of laboratory results.
Learn about point-of-care testing, critical values, and reporting laboratory results. Understand the importance of identifying life-threatening or health-endangering situations.
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