Resumen

GUZMAN D, Ana María  y  LAGOS L, Marcela. The contribution of critical laboratory values to patients' safety and care. Rev. méd. Chile [online]. 2009, vol.137, n.4, pp. 582-584. ISSN 0034-9887.  doi: 10.4067/S0034-98872009000400019.

Critical values are those laboratory values that are so abnormal that may threaten the life of a patient unless immediate corrective or therapeutic actions are undertaken. Among laboratory procedures, this definition has been incorporated to standards that watch over patients' safety. Health institutions should incorpórate this practice and monitor its effectiveness.

Palabras clave : Clinical laboratory information systems; Clinical laboratory techniques; Pathology, clinical.