Purpose
Clarify order priority definitions and turnaround time (time
of order entry to time of test result or medication received on unit).
Policy
The following priority definitions will be used for clinical services:
Routine
Tests collected within two hours of order. Result turnaround time
varies by test – see Lab Directory of Service. (Exception: nutritional
consults are provided within 24 hours.)
Now
Used only for pharmacy order to indicate a dose now, then at the standard
time for the frequency of the medication. (A “NOW” order for lab
is entered as a routine order and should be clarified with the physician
if priority doesn’t seem appropriate for the patient status.)
STAT
Immediate collection of lab sample and performance of testing, generally
within 60 minutes. Materiel Management defines STAT as 10 minutes
or less.
Should only be used for urgent needs.
Scheduled
Used for a specific date and time in the future. (For lab, specimen
collection is +/- 10 minutes of specified time.)
AM Rounds
Lab tests to be collected and performed early in morning. Testing
completed and results generally distributed by 8am (critical care results
generally by 0700).
Stat Draw / Run Routine
Used to indicate urgent lab collection, but testing may be performed routinely.
Report To Surgery
Used when ordering STAT lab testing in Surgery. Allows automatic reporting
directly back to the surgery location.
Report To PACU
Used when ordering STAT testing in PACU. Allows automatic reporting directly
back to PACU.
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Services
