Critical Lab Value Notification Checklist
Critical laboratory value notification protocol ensuring timely communication to responsible provider with verification and documentation.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Frequency: Every critical value
- Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes
- Role: Lab/Clinical Staff
- Total Items: 29
- Compliance: CAP Laboratory Standards, Joint Commission NPSG.02.03.01, Hospital Policy
Value Identification
Critical value verification
- Critical value correctly identified?
- Value verified before reporting?
- Reference range known?
Notification Process
Timely notification
- Responsible provider contacted?
- Notification within required timeframe?
- Recipient name documented?
Read-Back Verification
Communication verification
- Read-back obtained?
- Value confirmed by recipient?
Documentation
Complete documentation
- Time of notification documented?
- Reporter name documented?
- Provider action documented (if known)?
Pre-Assessment Information
Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification
- Assessor Name / Credentials
- Assessment Date
- Department / Unit
- Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
- Previous assessment findings reviewed?
Infection Prevention & Control
Verify infection control practices per CDC and Joint Commission standards
- Hand hygiene compliance observed?
- Appropriate PPE available and properly used?
- Isolation precautions properly implemented?
- Sharps containers available and not overfilled?
- High-touch surfaces properly disinfected?
Patient Safety & Identification
Verify patient safety protocols and identification procedures
- Two patient identifiers used before procedures?
- Fall risk assessment completed?
- Call light within patient reach?
- Bed in lowest position with brakes locked?
Medication Safety & Management
Verify medication handling and administration practices
- Medications stored securely and at proper temperature?
- Controlled substances properly secured and counted?
- No expired medications in stock?
- High-alert medications properly labeled?
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Why Use This Critical Lab Value Notification Checklist?
This critical lab value notification checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for lab/clinical staff professionals, this checklist covers 29 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: every critical value.
Ensures compliance with CAP Laboratory Standards, Joint Commission NPSG.02.03.01, Hospital Policy. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Critical Lab Value Notification Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 29 inspection items across 8 sections: Value Identification, Notification Process, Read-Back Verification, Documentation, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety & Identification, Medication Safety & Management. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed every critical value. Each completion takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
Who should use this Critical Lab Value Notification Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Lab/Clinical Staff professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.