12 min readUpdated Jan 2026
Critical Results Notification Workflow
When results indicate potential life-threatening conditions, every minute counts. Design workflows that ensure timely, documented provider notification.
The Critical Results Workflow
1
Auto-Detection — LIMS flags result as critical based on defined ranges
2
Tech Verification — Technologist confirms result validity (re-run if needed)
3
Provider Lookup — System displays ordering provider and contact info
4
Notification — Call provider, report value, get read-back confirmation
5
Documentation — Record who was notified, when, and confirmation details
6
Escalation (if needed) — If provider unreachable, follow escalation protocol
Documentation Requirements
What to Document
- • Critical value and units
- • Date/time result verified
- • Date/time notification made
- • Person notified (name, role)
- • Read-back confirmation
- • Person making notification
LIMS Support
- • Auto-timestamp all actions
- • Require notification fields
- • Track elapsed time
- • Alert on threshold exceeded
- • Generate compliance reports
- • Audit trail of all attempts
Escalation Protocol
Define clear escalation steps when the ordering provider cannot be reached. Document each attempt.
Level 1Try ordering provider's primary number (2 attempts)
Level 2Try alternate number if available
Level 3Contact covering physician from call schedule
Level 4Escalate to department head or medical director
Level 5Notify nursing supervisor for inpatients
Level 6Document final resolution and elapsed time
Need Help with Critical Results Workflows?
We help laboratories design notification workflows, configure LIMS alerting, and build escalation protocols that ensure compliance.
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