your tests
Help Prevent Medical
Test Mistakes
Medical tests and laboratory tests are important aids for doctors. However, sometimes the
wrong test is ordered. Or the test results can be misunderstood. Or your doctor gets the
results too late to give you the best treatment. Some tests can have side effects that can hurt
you. This information includes questions and answers to help you prepare for your test.
What if you don’t understand the
medical forms you’re asked to sign?
Questions to ask your doctor
Ask staff to explain the forms. Don’t sign » Why is this test being done?
anything until you understand what you What should it tell you about
are signing. Also, keep your eyeglasses with my health?
you so you can read forms, labels and other » Can I get a copy of my test order
information. to take to the place where the test
is being done?
How do you know that the test » Are there any foods or drinks
results are yours? I should avoid before or after the
Staff should ask for your full name and test? For how long before or after
another piece of information, such as your the test should I avoid the food
birthdate. If they don’t, speak up. Ask to or drink?
see the labels on the containers that your » Should I take my medicine before
samples are put in. The label should have the test?
your full name and another piece of » Is there anything else I need to do
personal information. Also, make sure that to prepare for the test?
the containers are immediately sealed to » Are there any side effects of the
prevent mislabeling and contamination. test? Will it be painful or
uncomfortable? Is it unusual to
What if you don’t understand what is have pain or discomfort?
being done and why? » Can I call or visit the laboratory
Ask the health care worker to stop the test or test facility before I go to take
and explain what he or she is doing. the test?
How can you be sure that the test you
get is the one ordered by your doctor? You’re supposed to get a “contrast
Get a copy of the test order from your doctor agent.” What is this?
and take it to the test. Also, if you think you A “contrast agent” is a liquid that makes
are about to get the wrong test, don’t be organs and blood vessels more visible on
afraid to tell staff. X-rays and other tests. If you get a contrast
Source: The Joint Commission’s Speak Up Program (www.jointcommission.org)
the patient magazine 2010 37
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