What to do when

You need to send

Code Labs
You need Trauma Blood
1. The laboratory shift supervisor carries a code pager.
When a code blue is activated, the shift supervisor
will be notified along with the rest of the Code Blue
team. He/She will then prepare his/her lab staff.
2. If the hospital staff are unsure of whether the code
response is activated by the pager system, PSC/RN
can call the laboratory supervisor at extension
x83993.
Code Labs Notification
1. The PSC or RN automatically notifies the laboratory shift
supervisor by calling a code (x85555).
2. The PSC or RN orders the Code Lab order set in EPIC,
listed as CODE LAB PANEL.
3. Draw code labs in appropriately labeled Code Lab
blood tubes stocked in the code cart.
4. When labeling, do NOT cover up bright green Code Lab
labels that identify labs to laboratory staff.
5. Write a non-pager call back number on the bright green
code lab flyer to ensure that laboratory staff is easily able
to notify clinical staff of all results.
Code Labs
Trauma Blood
1. MD completes trauma blood order set.
2. RN calls Blood Bank (x8444) and says that trauma blood is
needed in AIP PACU Bay ___.
3. Verify that Blood Bank will bring cooler to the unit.
If not, send CNA or PSC to Blood Bank.
- Do not use trauma blood from OR refrigerator.
4. Administer O Positive PRBCs unless O Negative is indicated
- O Negative is exclusively reserved for women of child-
bearing age and children.

Note: An aggressive attempt should be made to obtain a sample for
crossmatch prior to administration of any trauma units.

For more details see:
University of Colorado Hospital Policy and Procedure
Code Labs

University of Colorado Hospital Nursing Practice
Guideline Emergency Department: Use of Blood
Products for Trauma/Emergent Transfusions
References