Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You do the tests, but make note of his full stomach.
You know the food will impact his blood tests. But he's in so much
pain that you go ahead and do the tests. On his chart, you make a detailed
note of the patient's full stomach. This will help the doctor assess
the test results.
It turns out there is no easy answer to this dilemma.
"If I were in this situation, I would go ahead and do the testing," says
lab tech Lisa Gurney. "But I would be sure to note the exact situation on
his chart. It is important to have an empty stomach to produce a good quality
specimen, but if the doctor has requested the tests, it's our responsibility
to complete them."
Not doing the tests would mean interfering in the patient's medical
treatment.
"If a patient is as sick as this man, it is important to know where the
patient's health is at that moment. You might not be able to use all
of the test results, but at least having a sample can help with his diagnosis."
Lab techs agree that the issue is not black and white. The most important
thing is to notify the doctor, whether you chose to do the test or not.
"Always go back to the doctor. Let him know that the quality [of the tests]
might be affected. As a medical lab technologist, you are part
of a team. If the doctor knows that the patient has a full stomach, then that
will make the result interpretable."