What characterizes a 'critical value' in laboratory results?

A 'critical value' in laboratory results is defined as a result that is potentially life-threatening or requires immediate medical intervention. These values indicate a significant deviation from normal ranges that could pose serious risks to a patient's health if not addressed promptly. For instance, extremely high or low blood glucose levels may be considered critical and necessitate urgent treatment.

In contrast, results that fall within normal ranges do not indicate any immediate concern for a patient’s health. Similarly, results that require further testing might be abnormal, but they do not necessarily indicate an urgent or life-threatening situation. Routine lab analysis results, while important, typically do not fall into the critical category, as they are expected and monitored under standard conditions without immediate health risks. Understanding the distinction between these levels of lab results is crucial for providing appropriate patient care and prioritizing interventions.