When a repeat test value is still critical but is showing improvement, does it still need to be considered a "critical result" and reported in that time frame?

Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.

Each organization defines for itself the circumstances under which a test result is considered "critical" and when/how it will be reported. It is permissible to define repeat "critical results" differently especially if they are improving. For example: If a patient is undergoing treatment and a certain test result is still "critical" but moving in the desired direction it may be referred to as a "repeat critical result (RCR)" and the reporting process may be limited or changed after consulting the practitioner. The default, however, should be to treat the repeat result as a critical result. Please note, the "repeat critical value" procedure is described by the organization and would include how "improving labs" is defined, which results are applicable and/or if an individual order is required to execute the policy for certain results.