Analysis of laboratory critical value reporting in the department of spine surgery and management strategies

Abstract

Objective To investigate the common critical value (CV) of patients hospitalized in the department of spine surgery and to determine the corresponding management. Methods Medical records of patients between 2013 January and 2014 December were retrospectively reviewed. 47 cases with CV were noted. The following characteristics of CV were recorded and analyzed, including time-point at occurrence, type, reason and management. Results Most of the CVs (43/47, 91.5%) were detected between 8 am to 12 am, and between 17 pm and 21 pm. Overall, there were 24 cases of abnormal blood electrolyte (51.1%), 13 cases of abnormal routine blood test (27.7%), 5 cases of abnormal blood coagulation test (10.6%), and 1 case of abnormal TnT (2.1%). The remaining 4 cases including 2 cases detected in the night (1 case of abnormal blood gas test and 1 case of abnormal TnT) and 2 cases detected in the afternoon (1 case of positive blood bacteria culture and 1 case of low blood glucose level). Conclusions The most common CVs were summarized in the clinical practice. The findings have important clinical implications concerning the management of these CVs. In addition, preventive modality of daily nursing and standardization of medical management should be applied so as to ensure the safety of patients and rapid recovery. Key words: Critical value; Management strategies; Spine surgery