Critical Values
Policy Summary
The Critical Values of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota are described below. These values apply to Mayo Clinic patients as well as the extramural practice administered through affiliate Mayo Medical Laboratories (MML).
Definition of Critical Value
A critical value is defined by Mayo physicians as a value that represents a pathophysiological state at such variance with normal (expected values) as to be life-threatening unless something is done promptly and for which some corrective action could be taken.
Abnormals are not considered Critical Values
Most laboratory tests have established reference ranges, which represent results that are typically seen in a group of healthy individuals. While results outside these reference ranges may be considered abnormal, “abnormal” results and “critical values” are not synonymous. Analytes on the DLMP Critical Values list represent a subgroup of tests that meet the above definition.
Action taken when a result is obtained that exceeds the limit defined by the DLMP Critical Values list
In addition to the normal results reporting (eg, fax, interface) MML staff telephone the ordering physician or the client-provided contact number within 30 minutes following laboratory release of the critical test result(s). In the event that contact is not made within the 30-minute period, we continue to telephone until the designated party is reached and the result is conveyed.
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Go to the Critical Values List
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Categories
The full list, available once you register, includes values for:
- Hematology
- Chemistry
- Toxicology/TDM
- Microbiology