Critical Results Notification Procedure SOP template (ISO 15189:2022)

A critical results notification procedure directs the rapid communication of findings that may require urgent clinical attention. It turns an agreed critical result list into a workable sequence of verification, notification, escalation and documentation. The document should distinguish urgent notification from routine result release and make clear that communication responsibilities continue when the usual clinical contact is unavailable.

A good version defines the examinations and circumstances covered, the responsible laboratory roles and the approved recipients of notifications. Critical limits and exceptions should be agreed with appropriate clinical users and maintained under document control. Include how staff confirm patient identity, check the result, communicate the essential information and verify that the recipient has understood it.

The most important practical detail is what happens when the first call does not succeed. Specify alternative contacts, escalation responsibilities and locally agreed timing expectations, including out-of-hours arrangements. Records should capture the result, notification attempts, successful contact, recipient and relevant times. Explain how delayed communication is reviewed and how corrected results or repeat critical findings are handled. This makes the procedure usable during busy shifts, not only during planned review.