Medical Laboratory Technician how-to

How to Call a Critical Value

Fast reporting can save a life.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Fast reporting can save a life. In short: verify; check; call, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Verify the result.

  2. Check for sample problems.

  3. Call the responsible caregiver.

  4. Ask for a read-back.

  5. Record who received it and when.

  6. Follow escalation if unreachable.

Safety reminders for medical laboratory technicians

  • Use standard precautions and PPE
  • Work in biosafety cabinets when required
  • Dispose of sharps and biohazards properly
  • Follow chemical safety rules

CBC · Chemistry panel · Hematology · Microbiology · Blood bank · Crossmatch: see the full medical laboratory technician glossary.

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