The critical value concept in clinical laboratory

ABSTRACT The critical value is a laboratory result representing a pathophysiological state that offers risk to a patient's life. The communication of these results is a laboratory responsibility and, according to the literature, 95% of physicians consider it useful in decision-making and patient management. Two-thirds of critical results lead to some change in therapeutic approach. The communication of critical results is a requirement for laboratory accreditation programs. Thus laboratories should establish a list of tests, their critical values, and the procedure describing the communication flow. The performance indicator for this activity should consider the time between results release and their effective communication, and the percentage of successful communication. There is no standardization of laboratory parameters that need to have critical values established, not even the ranges to be considered for notification purposes. The frequent update of test lists and critical value ranges based on literature reviews and on experience exchange among clinical laboratories ensure the continuous improvement process for this procedure and patient safety.RESUMO O valor crítico é um resultado laboratorial que representa um estado fisiopatológico de risco à vida do paciente. A comunicação desses resultados é de responsabilidade do laboratório e, segundo a literatura, 95% dos médicos a considera útil na adoção de condutas e no manuseio dos pacientes. Dois terços dos re...

Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Patologia e Medicina Laboratorial - March 9, 2016 Category: Pathology Source Type: research