Dealing with and Communicating Abnormal Results

All abnormal laboratory and radiology results must be scrutinised and the appropriate action taken.

• If you do not understand the significance of an abnormal result, you must discuss it with a more senior member of staff.
• When you receive an abnormal result for a patient who is not under your direct care (i.e. you are the duty House Officer), you must record the result in the notes and inform the patient’s usual medical staff of the result as soon as possible (i.e. at morning handover).
• If an unexpected abnormal result is received after a patient is discharged it is essential that you inform the senior doctor and the GP, and that any significant abnormal result is followed up appropriately.

Topic Code: 10805