Adhering to the following definitions and guidelines for ordering laboratory testing will facilitate the most appropriate service response by the laboratory, depending on urgency of the situation.
STAT | To be requested when medically indicated and specifically ordered as such by a physician, i.e. an unstable patient in a life threatening situation. |
ASAP | To be requested when a degree of medical urgency exists but the patient is stable. |
TIMED | To be requested for determination of medication levels, the results are usually available the same day. |
TODAY | To be requested when results are needed the same day but there is no medical emergency. |
ROUTINE | To be scheduled or obtained when practical, the results are usually available the next day. |
When requesting laboratory work to be performed, please use the guidelines above. This will allow the laboratory to properly prioritize your requests and respond in the most efficient manner.