Occupy Call Street? Reconsidering a Microbiology Critical Action Value Policy

Critical action value (CAV) policies for microbiology test results are regulated by the same mandates that govern critical values for other laboratory testing. Policy revisions and updates are left to the discretion of laboratory directors, in conjunction with their clinical communities. The published literature on CAV policy has limited discussion of infectious disease testing, necessitating the use of other information as a guide. The reconsideration of one's CAV policy benefits from an organized approach and the recognition and reconciliation of different perspectives and resources. A recent experience and considerations for the future are presented.