OBJECTIVES: Realization of biological tests in intensive care unit requires a written medical prescription. Requests of biological tests outside written medical prescription are sometimes observed. The aim of the survey was to evaluate their incidence and the reasons of these practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was realized on a 14 days-period in a 8 beds intensive care unit of digestive surgery, in real situation and anyone was informed of the study. Nineteen patients were enrolled during the period of the study. RESULTS: A request of biological tests outside written medical prescription was found in 78% of requests of tests (89/114). The incidence of requests of biological tests outside written medical prescription was 27%. Several reasons could explain these practices. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that there is a high frequency of requests of biological tests outside written medical prescription and that several reasons could explain these practices in intensive care unit.
OBJECTIVES: Realization of biological tests in intensive care unit requires a written medical prescription. Requests of biological tests outside written medical prescription are sometimes observed. The aim of the survey was to evaluate their incidence and the reasons of these practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was realized on a 14 days-period in a 8 beds intensive care unit of digestive surgery, in real situation and anyone was informed of the study. Nineteen patients were enrolled during the period of the study. RESULTS: A request of biological tests outside written medical prescription was found in 78% of requests of tests (89/114). The incidence of requests of biological tests outside written medical prescription was 27%. Several reasons could explain these practices. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that there is a high frequency of requests of biological tests outside written medical prescription and that several reasons could explain these practices in intensive care unit.