Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

What is the next step when a patient requests their test results?

1. Have him phone their physician

2. Give him the test results yourself

3. Make an appointment for him

4. Tell him that the test results are not back yet

The correct answer is: Have him phone their physician

When a patient requests their test results, a professional approach involves directing them to their physician. This ensures that the patient receives a comprehensive explanation of the results in the context of their overall health and medical history. Physicians are trained to interpret test results and can provide insights into what the results mean, discuss any necessary next steps, and answer any questions the patient may have regarding their health. The other options may not provide the appropriate level of support or confidentiality. Giving test results directly could lead to misunderstandings and does not allow the physician to explain them properly. Making an appointment, while helpful in securing a consultation, may not be necessary if the results are already available. Stating that the test results are not back yet could be misleading if they are, in fact, available, and does not help the patient gain access to the information they seek. Therefore, guiding the patient to contact their physician represents best practices in patient communication and care.