206: Labs You Need

Last Updated: March 10, 2025

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Josh discuss the critical role of laboratory tests in trauma care, particularly in austere environments. They cover the timing and importance of drawing labs, the significance of arterial blood gases, lactate levels, and the interpretation of hemoglobin and electrolytes. Josh emphasizes the need for medics to understand normal lab values and how to integrate lab data into patient care effectively.

Takeaways:

Labs are essential for timely trauma care.

Draw labs after initial assessments in trauma situations.

Arterial blood gases provide crucial information for ventilation management.

Lactate levels indicate tissue oxygen delivery and resuscitation status.

Hemoglobin trends are more important than single values in trauma.

Electrolyte levels, especially potassium and calcium, are critical in trauma management.

Medics should focus on learning normal lab values for effective care.

Integrating lab data with patient context is vital for treatment decisions.

Regularly check kidney function indicators in trauma patients.

Communication with experienced colleagues can enhance lab interpretation skills.