REPORTING OF LABORATORY RESULTS

• The results of laboratory tests can only be reported to physicians or their designated assistants. The laboratory will not report results to patients and patients should not be instructed to call the laboratory for results.

   

• In order to prevent errors in patient identification, telephone reports will be given out by the appropriate lab ONLY when the patient's name AND Hospital unit number are provided by the requesting party.

   

• Critical values for designated tests and toxic drug levels are reported by telephone to the requesting physician or other designated personnel in accordance with individual lab policies. Critical and toxic limits are listed with individual tests in the Procedures section of this manual. See also Reporting of Significant Findings for the Clinical Microbiology/Immunology Laboratories.

   

• LIS computer reports for both inpatients and outpatients are available daily. Questions concerning reports should be directed to the LIS, 6-2242.

   

• Authorized personnel may access LIS terminals or the SMS Clinical Workstation for the results of laboratory tests. Questions concerning the location and use of the LIS terminals should be directed to the LIS, 6-2242. Questions concerning the location and use of the Clinical Workstation should be directed to ISD Customer Support center 6-5765.