Acute Care 9: Initial Laboratory Studies
In adults, draw approximately 40 mL of blood to fill the assorted tubes contained in a CALS lab bag. The CALS lab bag also contains an armband with removable stickers printed with an identifying number. Place stickers onto the contained lab tubes, urine container, x-ray slips, and lab slips. The armband is applied to the patient and serves to positively identify the patient for lab and x-ray services.
The individual hospital decides which tests are available and useful in its setting. Here are some suggestions:
| Adult Medical | Adult Trauma | Pediatric (small tubes) |
| CBC and Hct | CBC and Hct | CBC and Hct |
| WBC | WBC | WBC |
| Platelet estimate | Platelet estimate | Platelet estimate |
| PT/PTT | PT/PTT | PT/PTT |
| Electrolytes | Electrolytes | Electrolytes |
| Anion gap | Anion gap | Anion gap |
| UA | UA | UA |
| Pregnancy test (if required) |
Pregnancy test (if required) |
|
| Blood glucose | Blood glucose | Blood glucose |
| Extra tubes for optional tests |
Blood alcohol | Extra tubes for optional tests |
| Cardiac enzymes | Type & cross | Calcium and phosphorus |
| Type & cross | Extra tubes for opntional tests |
Toxicologies |
| Digitalis level | Fibrinogen | Type & cross |
| Calcium and phosphorus | Drug screen | Carbon monoxide |
| Toxicologies | Carbon monoxide |
Use a glucose monitor to obtain an immediate blood glucose level. Report the results immediately.