Pre-Explanation

• 1). Review the blood tests done on the patient.
  
  
• 2). Note any abnormal or potentially critical values.
  
  
• 3). Make notes of anything that may coincide with what the health-care provider was potentially looking for, making sure to note any normal lab results.
  
  

Explaining the Blood Tests

• 1). Introduce yourself if you are unfamiliar with the patient or the patient's family. Explain who you are and state your role in providing care or assisting the patient.
  
  
• 2). Tell the patient/family what tests were done. Make sure that you briefly explain what each test measures, and what the key things are that you look for in this specific lab test.
  
  
• 3). Speak slowly and alert the patient/family to any abnormal test results. Explain what the normal range for the blood test is, and what these abnormal results could mean. Never diagnose the patient as having a disease or condition based solely on lab results.
  
  
• 4). Mention if any test results are within the acceptable range for that blood test. Based on your medical knowledge, tell how this may or may not affect abnormal test results.
  
  
• 5). List the potential problems associated with the abnormal lab values.
  
  

Post-Explanation

• 1). Take a second and pause after explaining the blood test results to patients or their families. This will allow them time to collect their thoughts and form any questions they may have.
  
  
• 2). Allow the patient/family to ask questions about anything that may seem unclear, or that they may not understand. Answer their questions as honestly as possible.
  
  
• 3). Talk about the plan of action. If a test mandates a course of action to be taken, lay out what it may be. This allows the patient/family to rest assured knowing that something is going to be done based on these results.