In order to effectively use the laboratory services that are available in The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, it is vital that clinicians have up-to-date information to guide their interactions with the clinical laboratories. This handbook is a tool to assist in that endeavor. In addition, the handbook has now been published on the world wide web.
The appendices provide additional detailed information on laboratory operations. The section relating to the Blood Center Services presents information on transfusion medicine, tissue and cellular therapy and the appropriate use of blood transfusions and services.
We also call to your attention the section pertaining to the Autopsy Service and Death Certificates. This section provides useful information for proper completion of the death certificate and the important process of obtaining permission for an autopsy.
Our efforts to improve and update the Handbook can be greatly facilitated by your assistance. If you find errors, discrepancies, or other points of confusion, please contact the appropriate laboratory contact person to ensure that upcoming editions can correct or clarify the problem or, submit your suggestions to the Pathology Webmaster.
The complex nature of medical practice in modern tertiary care centers dictates that the most effective laboratory utilization occurs when the Pathology faculty members are used as laboratory-based consultants. To facilitate this we have included the names and telephone numbers of each Laboratory Director and encourage you to make use of their experience and expertise. The clinical pathology resident on call for University Hospitals (Beeper #3404) is available 24 hours per day to provide information you may need or to resolve any problems you may have which relate to the laboratories.
Many general laboratory guidelines which will be useful as you start your residency at the University of Iowa Health Care are contained in the Pathology Laboratory Services Handbook. Requisition Completion contains information on required elements of a handwritten laboratory requisition.
Phlebotomy Team Policies contains information about utilization of the morning or evening Pathology inpatient phlebotomy services. Your review of the policies contained in the document will be very beneficial as you start a rotation in an inpatient area.
Several appendices in the Pathology Laboratory Services Handbook contain information about specimen collection or delivery: Minimum Volume, Fasting Specimens, Specimens in Syringes, Specimens Requiring Immediate Delivery, and CSF Specimen Collection Analysis.
Matthew Krasowski, MD, PhD
Director of Clinical Laboratories
Professor of Pathology
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics