From the Guidelines
The most effective method for recalling laboratory values is to collect and record the minimum suggested data, including value, unit of measurement, date, and normal range, as outlined in the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association task force report 1. When recalling laboratory values, it is essential to prioritize the most critical information, such as:
- Value
- Unit of measurement
- Date
- Normal range (upper limit of normal when appropriate) This approach ensures that healthcare professionals can quickly and accurately recall vital laboratory information, which is crucial for making informed clinical decisions. To further enhance recall, it is recommended to:
- Record serial values for outpatient care, including dates to reflect first, highest, and lowest values
- Record at least the first value obtained closest to admission for inpatient care assessment
- Focus on key laboratory tests, such as:
- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium)
- Thyroid function (TSH)
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Renal function (blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine)
- Lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides) By following this structured approach, healthcare professionals can improve their ability to recall laboratory values accurately and efficiently, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes, as suggested by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association task force report 1.
From the Research
Methods for Recalling Laboratory Values
There are various methods for recalling laboratory values, including:
- Closed-loop laboratory critical value notification systems, which have been shown to improve the timely notification of critical laboratory values 2
- Point-of-care testing devices, such as blood gas analyzers, which can provide rapid results for electrolytes and hemoglobin, but may have differences in results compared to central laboratory measurements 3
- Predictive modeling approaches, such as zero order Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy modeling, which can be used to predict laboratory values, such as Calcium and Hematocrit, for patients with specific conditions, like gastrointestinal bleeding 4
Factors Affecting Laboratory Values
Several factors can affect laboratory values, including:
- Comorbidities, which can impact the accuracy of predictive models for laboratory values 4
- Medications, which can influence laboratory results, such as liver function markers in HIV patients 5
- Patient characteristics, such as age, gender, and CD4 lymphocyte levels, which can be associated with alterations in laboratory values, like liver function markers in HIV patients 5
Best Practices for Recalling Laboratory Values
Best practices for recalling laboratory values include:
- Implementing closed-loop notification systems to ensure timely and accurate notification of critical laboratory values 2
- Using point-of-care testing devices in conjunction with central laboratory measurements to verify results 3
- Considering patient-specific factors, such as comorbidities and medications, when interpreting laboratory results 4, 5