FeedbackFollowing the work of a task force of the Department of Medicine headed by Ross Pirkle, M.D., the Medical Executive Committee of the JMMC Walnut Creek Campus approved an updated list of "Critical Values" for laboratory tests. This list is considerably pared down from the previous version. These critical values will be phoned to the ordering physician (outpatient) or responsible licensed caregiver/charge nurse (facility) of clients of MuirLab and the Walnut Creek Campus of JMMC. It is worth noting that some of these critical values differ from those on the Concord Campus of JMMC, which, over time, will be reconciled.
"Critical Values" are abnormal lab values that are generally considered to be potentially life threatening in the correct clinical context. TJC has recently amplified the importance of documenting the relay of this critical patient information in a timely manner. As a result, the lab makes every effort to phone these results once they are internally verified. The lab then records such details as person, place and time of the phoning, receipt and read back of these critical values. In addition, similar documentation is made of refusals to accept or receive this information.
If there are any questions or concerns about this update, please do not hesitate to contact me, Dr. Barry Latner at (925) 692-5405 or Barbara Brunell, Regulatory Compliance Manager Laboratory Services, (925) 692-5472, and or your sales representative at (925) 692-5411.
