Format for handwritten lab values

[superwee]

I have noticed that people write lab results in a "tree" or diagram format, not needing to put in what lab is what.

Anyone have a copy of that as a "key" so that I can learn how to use that "tree" thingy and write my labs like that?

I've tried to google...what is the format that people use to write their CBC's and electrolyte panels? I can't find it on google. It's like a diagram or something, then they just plug the values in different parts of the lined off areas... without having to write what value is what. Anyone that can help me out here, I'd be grateful! I've seen this format on kardexes and report sheets... but somehow the "key" has slipped my mind! I'm in a class with five gals and none of us know, but want to!

Thanks!

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

I use them every day...stick figures for lab values>>> Sorry, my computer can't draw the stick and put the values in at the same time...however if you use the sticks below where the values go you may get the picture.

Below are the value positions for BMP lab:

Na/Cl/Bun

K+/Co2/Creat

Below are the lab value positions for CBC lab:

wbc>HGB

****Hct

Are the stick figures ...put the values in the appropriate spots as described above:

PS: Hopefully someone can give you an address of a website that explains stick figures. I tried but came up empty handed!

[SaderNurse05, BSN, RN]

TeleRNer said:

I use them every day...stick figures for lab values>>> Sorry, my computer can't draw the stick and put the values in at the same time...however if you use the sticks below where the values go you may get the picture.

Below are the value positions for BMP lab:

Na/Cl/Bun

K+/Co2/Creat

Below are the lab value positions for CBC lab:

wbc>HGB

****Hct

Below are the stick figures ...put the values in the appropriate spots as described above:

PS: Hopefully someone can give you an address of a website that explains stick figures. I tried but came up empty handed!

Does doing these this way help interpret what the results mean?

[GilaRRT]

This is also called a "fish bone lab diagram." It does not interpret the labs, it is simply a method that some people use to chart lab findings. I utilize this method because it is quick and saves space.

[SweetOldWorld, BSN, RN]

Check out the post by Papaw John on this thread:

https://allnurses.com/lab-values-worksheet-t89608/

I wonder if he's still around?

[GilaRRT]

I hate to do this; however, Wilkpedia is the only link I can easily find with actual pictures of the diagrams.

Check here:

Basic Metabolic Panel

[superwee]

Super! Just what i needed!

Thanks!

[jsouza]

This all was helpful, thanks. This is what I was looking for. I couldn't find it on google, no matter how I described it....

[sunshinegrl1979]

You can also see several "fishbone convention" diagrams on the PathGuy's website. Scroll about 1/4 of the way down. www.pathguy.com/lectures/profilin.htm

[mikeicurn, ASN, RN]

I was looking for something similar, and ended up making my own. I made up some sheets with instructions and put them on my website so my classmates could download them. You can find mine at http:/michaelboggs.webs.com/forms.htm Look for "fishbones:.

[Hope.A, BSN, RN]

There's also a free iPhone app that uses this, in case anyone is interested. It's called "MedLab Tutor" and it's from Georgia Health Sciences University (and no, I don't work for them or anything, I just use this app as a nursing student and it's been helpful to me!). Hope this helps somebody else!

[SweetOldWorld, BSN, RN]

Hope.A said:

There's also a free iPhone app that uses this, in case anyone is interested. It's called "MedLab Tutor" and it's from Georgia Health Sciences University (and no, I don't work for them or anything, I just use this app as a nursing student and it's been helpful to me!). Hope this helps somebody else!

Thanks for posting this!