ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manual

ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Management & Procedure Manual | 3rd Edition

Analytic Phase

Step Action 1. Follow the manufacturer’s step-by-step instructions for sample introduction and analysis. 2. Verify the measured values are consistent with a stable reading. 3. Repeat the analysis if the results are: • Inconsistent with the patient’s past results and/or conditions • Physiologically inconsistent • At the extremes of the range of expected values 4. When analysis is complete dispose of the sample appropriately. Step Action 1. Review all specimen results to assure accuracy. If results are questioned, reprocess the specimen immediately. 2. If results fall into the alert value range, notify the medical staff immediately, and document who was notified and when. 3. Record and evaluate any error messages were received during the analysis. 4. Record/report the results in the institution information system including: • Blood gases, pH, and Hemoximetry results • Date and time of sample • Source of sample • Fi O 2 or flow rate and mode of supplemental O 2 delivery, PEEP or CPAP • Ventilator settings, if applicable • Collection site • Patient posture • Comments regarding quality of specimen including transportation delays or improper storage. 5 Verify results have been received/printed/viewed. Postanalytic Phase

Procedure Notes 1.

Turnaround time for specimen analysis and reporting must be defined in each laboratory for STAT and routine samples. Selected parameters should meet the needs of the clinical situation and specimen-storage requirements (8). For example, specimens defined as STAT will be analyzed within 10 minutes and routine specimens are analyzed within 20 minutes. 2. Critical values are defined as results that are markedly outside normal or expected range and may represent life-threatening conditions.

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