Critical lab value reporting more challenging in ED.

The Joint Commission requires timely reporting of all critical lab values and verification by having the person receiving the information read it back and confirm it. Because of higher volumes of critical results, this requirement is more challenging for EDs than other hospital units. Measure the time frame from the nurse becoming aware of the result to the physician being informed. If your policy requires documentation of the read-back, make sure it's followed consistently. ED nurses can be taken out of the process by having the lab communicate with the ED physician directly.