Safety

Improve reporting of critical test results

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, May 5, 2006

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The first step to putting in place an effective system for reporting critical test results is to define which test results are critical and how soon you must receive the results. Not all results require immediate attention or timely communication, so determine which tests do. Develop a system for classifying results, such as a color-coded chart:

  • Red results are life-threatening emergencies that require urgent attention and immediately contacting the supervising physician
  • Orange results are less life-threatening but require action as soon as possible, probably within a day's time or less
  • Yellow results are not life-threatening and require action within a few days



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