Lab Tracking Logs

We have tried all kinds of "forms" and tracking, and I have to say, that the most efficient thing is the easiest and least confusing- simply a calendar. One place, no extra forms etc. The lab slips are filled out and placed in a folder next to the calendar, by whoever takes the order. On lab days, the lists are compared to the returning results so they know what they are missing. We tried books, numerous forms, but it got to be so complicated, and things were missed. Easy and efficient seems to work for us, and we rarely have a problem.

If you go through all orders every day (like we are required to do) Make up a simple word document for every day of the year and put in a big binder. When you read orders say cbc due 1/22/10 and q 2 month after then put cbc for that patient on sheet for 1/22 - 3/22 - 5/22 etc. We have columns for results recieved, md aware, new order, rp aware and filed on chart. rn supervisors get this each morning after start up on the wings and have to complete it and turn it back in. then it gets filed back in your binder and you have proof it is done (or at least hold them accountable if they say it is and isn't. Also book type calenders at each wing where nurses taking the orders write the labs due on the calender when they are taking the order and you can compare what you have with what they have

This is what we use to track what's drawn; it's a version of what we used when I did contract nursing at the Federal prison. I made a separate sheet to track standing lab orders, which is basically just a spreadsheet with the months at the top and each resident and their labs on the side; I check the month each is due, this way they can be combined as much as possible to avoid multiple sticks.

Hope it helps :)

LabRecord.doc

We list all routine labs on a word document. First column is resident name. Second column is the lab orders. Third column is what month the lab is due. Our Dr is lenient on the actual date of the lab. Most routine labs just need done within that month. No specific date is needed. Upon admission or at the beginning of a new year, all routine labs are transferred to our labwork calendar. Routine labs are written in a color (pink this year) on a lab day in that particular month. When lab reports arrive, each ordered lab for that particular day gets a checkmark beside it to signify that the lab was done with a report received. This works well for the 50 residents that I am in charge of their care.

Could someone please share a copy of what your facility uses with tracking yearly routine labs. Please and thank you

Every LTC that I've worked in for the last 5-10 years have gone computerized and you can set schedule these labs, as well as run reports to assure that they're done. Same at dialysis clinics