Overview of Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing / 2
The Diagnostic Testing Model / 2
Standards and Guidelines / 2
Test Selection and Evidence-Based Guidelines / 2
Clinical Value of a Test / 4
Test Results / 9
Diagnostic Testing and the Healthcare Delivery System / 14
Testing Environments / 14
Reimbursement for Diagnostic Services / 15
The Healthcare Provider’s Role in Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing / 16
Elements of Safe, Effective, Informed Care Throughout the Testing Process / 16
Communication / 16
Testing Protocols / 17
Interfering Factors / 18
Avoidance of Errors / 18
Patient Independence / 19
Ethics and the Law / 19
Patient’s Bill of Rights and Patient Responsibilities / 20
Cultural Sensitivity / 21
Pretest Phase: Elements of Safe, Effective, Informed Care / 21
Basic Knowledge and Necessary Skills / 21
History and Assessment / 21
Methodology of Testing / 23
Patient Preparation / 23
Patient Education / 24
Intratest Phase: Elements of Safe, Effective, Informed Care / 24
Basic Knowledge and Necessary Skills / 24
Infection Prevention / 25
Collaborative Approaches / 25
Risk Management / 25
Specimens and Procedures / 26
Equipment and Supplies / 29
Presence of Family or Significant Others / 29
Positioning for Procedures / 29
Administration of Drugs and Solutions / 30
Management of Environment / 30
Latex Sensitivity and Allergy / 30
Pain Control, Comfort Measures, and Patient Monitoring / 32
Sedation and Analgesia / 33
Posttest Phase: Elements of Safe, Effective, Informed Care / 37
Basic Knowledge and Necessary Skills / 37
Abnormal Test Results / 37
Follow-up Counseling / 38
Monitoring for Complications and Sedation Effects / 39
Test Result Availability / 39
Integration / 40
Referral and Treatment / 40
Follow-up Care / 40
Documentation, Record-Keeping, and Reporting / 40
Guidelines for Disclosure / 43
Patient Responses to Diagnosis / 44
Expected and Unexpected Outcomes / 44
Recovered Medical Errors / 45
Laboratory Response Network / 45
Biosafety / 45
Conclusion / 47