Verify orders and document them with complete, accurate, and legible information.
Document all drugs the patient is taking because these may influence test outcomes (see Appendix E).
Follow testing procedures accurately. Ensure that specimens are correctly obtained, preserved, handled, labeled, and delivered to the appropriate department in a timely manner.
Observe precautions for patients in isolation. Use standard precautions or other transmission-based precautions as dictated by infection control policies of the institution.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as appropriate. PPE standards aim to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens from patients to healthcare providers and protect patients and healthcare providers alike.
As much as possible, coordinate patient activities with testing schedules to avoid conflicts with mealtimes and administration of medications, treatments, or other diagnostic tests and travel time.
Maintain NPO (i.e., Latin: non per os, nothing by mouth) status when necessary.
Administer the proper medications in a timely manner. Schedule tests requiring contrast substances in the proper sequence so as not to invalidate succeeding tests.