The Role of Nurses and Laboratory Technicians in Managing Critical Laboratory Values

Abstract

Effective management of critical laboratory values is crucial for ensuring timely intervention and optimal patient care. Nurses and laboratory technicians play pivotal roles in identifying, communicating, and responding to these values. This review explores the definition and classification of critical values, the spectrum of associated laboratory tests, and the urgency of prompt identification and response. Nurses are responsible for comprehensive patient monitoring, observing clinical signs related to critical values, while laboratory technicians accurately identify and report these results. Robust communication protocols are essential for seamless transmission of critical values within healthcare teams, with standardized reporting frameworks, clear professional roles, and electronic notification systems facilitating rapid dissemination. Immediate assessment and intervention are imperative upon receiving critical values, with nurses stabilizing patients and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to expedite appropriate treatment. Comprehensive documentation of critical values, interventions, and patient responses ensures continuity of care and enables meticulous follow-up. Continuous quality improvement strategies, including trend analysis, targeted feedback, and simulation-based training, refine processes and enhance professional performance. Strict adherence to regulatory standards for reporting and managing critical values is essential for upholding patient safety and meeting legal requirements. Implementing these multifaceted strategies enables healthcare teams to identify, communicate, and respond to critical values rapidly, ultimately improving patient outcomes and safety.