June 15, 2021
Overview
Dorevitch Pathology provides a 24 hour pathology service to all Western Health campuses. Services include:
- Haematology & Transfusion Services
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Histopathology
- Cytology
- Anatomical Pathology
Western Health’s Emergency Departments are one of the largest users of these pathology services. Implementing safe practices for ordering and reporting on pathology, helps us to provide Best Care.
Alignment to Western Health Best Care Framework:
Safe Care & Coordinated Care
Why is this important:
Pathology tests are a common and important component of patient management in Australian Emergency Departments (ED). For each patient it is important that indicated tests are requested, that specimens are correctly collected and results are reviewed in a timely manner.
What does this look like in practice?
Pathology Ordering – in the ED:
- When ordering pathology in EMR you use the ED Order Sets
- Ensure that you are ordering the correct bloods on the correct patient in EMR
- If you aren’t the clinician ordering bloods on your patient then please verify that these are the bloods required for the patients presenting complaint.
When collecting specimens
- Verify the patients identity – either ask the patient or if unable to ask then check patient ID band and compare this with printed labels
- Ensure that you have performed 3-point ID check – full name, DOB and URN for ALL specimen collections (bloods, urine, swabs)
- Complete the labeling task at the bedside after confirming the patients ID – this will eliminate the risk of mislabeling a specimen
Group & Screen
- Remember again your 3-points of ID checking – check the request to the patient/ID
- Remember to hand-write patient details on the tube immediately following collection
- Get another clinician to check these details are correct
- Sign the collectors declaration on the request slip before
sending to pathology
Open Menu
Close Menu
Open search
