Committee worked to evaluate the present system for laboratory testing during codes and to construct a more efficient process. Team members identified various points in the process that could be improved and implemented changes to shorten the turnaround time for getting results of laboratory tests during a code. MethodsInstituting a "code lab" order set within the hospital's computer system was the first step taken to improve turnaround time for laboratory test results during a code. Our team of nurses, physicians, and laboratory staff determined which laboratory tests are pertinent to any code blue situation (Table 1). Once the order set was in place, employees familiar with our computer ordering system were easily able to order all pertinent laboratory tests during a code by making just a few simple keystrokes.Next, the team made certain that all necessary laboratory tubes were organized in the code cart. Bright green stickers that read "Code Labs" were affixed to each laboratory tube, flagging the tubes to ensure that laboratory staff would see and process them right away Shannon K. Hurliman, RN, BSN, CCTN Kristin Paston, RN, BSN Code Labs: Expediting Laboratory Test Results During a CodeHospital had no streamlined method to collect and process laboratory specimens during a code situation, leading to staff frustration, delays in receiving laboratory results, and ultimately delays in patient care. A staff nurse brought this issue up to the resuscitation committee after a code in which the nurse was pulled away from the team performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation to discuss laboratory specimens over the phone. Members of the Resuscitation O btaining laboratory results during a cardiac arrest with code blue team intervention is imperative for achieving a good outcome for the patient. Timely response by the code team is crucial, 1 as minutes can be the key to preserving life, limb, and brain function during a code. The University of Colorado BACKGROUND Knowing a patient's "laboratory picture" is crucial in any code blue situation. Having no streamlined method for collecting and processing laboratory specimens during codes leads to staff frustration and critical delays in patient care.OBJECTIVE To simplify collection and testing of laboratory specimens during codes. METHODS Staff nurses led an initiative through which (1) code laboratory tests were placed in a computerized order set, thereby simplifying ordering; (2) prepackaged bags of supplies for the new order set were placed in each code cart; (3) the laboratory department supervisor began carrying a code pager to ensure that laboratory staff are prepared for incoming "code labs"; (4) a protocol was created for laboratory staff to follow after receiving code labs; and (5) processes were developed for units that are not integrated in the organization's electronic ordering system. RESULTS The mean turnaround time (the time from when laboratory tests are ordered to when results are posted) was reduced from 52.0 minutes to 31.3 minutes (P = .002). Laboratory sta...

Integrating life support activities into an acute care academic hospital structure using evidence-based practice and the Magnet Model framework provides program operations and outcomes that are cost effective, link quality to life support professional development, and demonstrate excellence patient safety outcomes.