Basic Methodology of Laboratory Testing

Basic guide in Methodology of Laboratory Testing to ensure accuracy of procedures and results.

Follow testing procedures accurately. Verify orders and document them with complete, accurate, and legible information.
Document all drugs the patient is taking because these can be a factor that can influence test outcomes.
Ensure that specimens are correctly obtained, preserved, handled, labeled, and delivered to the appropriate department. For example, it is not generally acceptable to draw blood samples when an intravenous line is infusing proximal to the intended puncture site.
Observe precautions for patients in isolation. Use standard/universal precautions.
As much as possible, coordinate patient activities with testing schedules to avoid conflicts with meal times and administration of medications, treatments, or other diagnostic tests and travel time.
- Maintain NPO (ie, nothing by mouth) status when necessary.
- Administer the proper medications in a timely manner. Schedule tests requiring contrast substances in the proper sequence so as not to invalidate succeeding tests

Laboratory Stack