ASIPS Alert 2-2002: November 8, 2002

"High Glucose Level? I didn't notice it!"
Some laboratories don't flag abnormal random glucoses on reports

THE ISSUE:

Clinicians have overlooked elevated random glucose results when they reviewed labs.

Numerous local and national laboratories don't have a "normal" range for non-fasting glucose levels, so elevated results aren't flagged as abnormal.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Alert all clinicians who review lab results to note whether the glucose level is elevated, even if it isn't flagged as abnormal.