Section 1 : Communicating Laboratory Needs

Abstract:

Open, active communication is one key to successful cooperation among all members of the health care team. The complexities of modern laboratory technology demand use of the most cost-effective methods that will provide all the information requested. In fact, the laboratory's needs should be clearly documented in the section on specimen collection and handling in its microbiology procedures manual. Communication within the health care environment is essential for optimum patient care, but communication is often difficult at best and is occasionally nonexistent. The microbiology division is different from other sections of the laboratory. A policy for handling and reporting stat or urgent specimens is not only essential for good patient care but is also required by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988. The policy should specify which specimens are considered urgent by the microbiology laboratory, whether or not they are labeled as such. The procedures manual for every microbiology laboratory is required by licensure agencies to include a section on the rejection of specimens submitted for examination. The laboratory doing the test must be identified on the report. Even when hospitals consolidate and there is one central laboratory for most microbiology testing, with some testing done by associated hospitals, the specific testing laboratory must still be identified on the report to the physician.