If you had a patient come to your lab stating his physician sent him to have his blood drawn, but he didn't bring a lab requisition slip, how would you help remedy the situation without neglecting other patients?

"This is usually an easy fix. If a patient comes to me without a lab form, I will explain to him that I need the form before I can draw his blood, but if he will give me a few minutes, I will contact the physician's office to verify the orders. I will make sure that the other lab techs are aware that I am verifying an order so that we can work together and make sure that all patients are handled in a timely manner."

"First, I will explain to the patient that I need to get an order from the physician before I can draw his blood. When a patient understands why he may have to wait, the wait is not usually as frustrating. As soon as I explain the necessity of the order to the patient, I will ask my coworkers to assist with other patients while I contact the physician's office and request the completed lab requisition form. Working together makes our jobs easier and the patients feel more at ease."

"In my years of experience as a lab tech, I have learned that having a calm demeanor and a willingness to communicate effectively with patients is extremely important in helping solve issues quickly and efficiently. When we have a packed waiting room, teamwork is of the utmost importance. For the patient that didn't have an official lab request, I would contact the physician's office immediately and ask if someone can enter the order into the system or fax an order to me as soon as possible. I will follow up with the patient and assure him that as soon as I receive an order, we will get him taken care of."

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