YNHH Laboratory Manual

A critical laboratory value is a test result that is significantly outside of normal limits and that has significant medical implications for the patient. A list of tests for which critical values exist and the critical values themselves are listed below. These critical values are determined by the Medical Directors of the various laboratory sections in conjunction with YNHH Medical Staff. Due to the diverse nature of our laboratory sections each area is also required to have their own detailed policy for these results and how they are handled when generated. Regardless of the laboratory section, all critical values must be read back when given in accordance with the Department of Laboratory Medicine’s read back policy.

Note: Due to the complex nature of our drug testing results, the specifics of the critical values for these tests and notification procedures are detailed in the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory’s policy and procedure manual.

For the most up-to-date list of critical values and notification policy, please see the YNHH Clinical Laboratories on-line Laboratory Manual at: http://info.med.yale.edu/labmed/clinical/labman/labman-toc.html

Updated: July-2008