A critical value is defined as one that represents a pathophysiological state at such variance with normal as to be potentially life threatening or which requires immediate medical attention. The Department of Pathology Patient service has developed a system for reporting critical values. When a critical value is determined, it is repeated when appropriate, verified and reported.
Nurses are responsible for notifying the physician.
During normal clinic hours, the values will be reported to either the physician or nurse. After hours, laboratory personnel contacts the requesting physician, if unavailable, the Faculty Physician, then UT Med. UT Med is responsible for notifying the services senior resident on duty and if unavailable then, the faculty on blue pager. Surgical Pathology critical values are called directly to the attending physician by the attending pathologist.