The devil is in the details: body fluid testing regulation and the erosion of nursing practice

Nurses have long performed tests on simple body fluids (e.g., chem strip, urine Dip Stix, guaiac of stool, urine specific gravity). As a result of the interpretation of JCAHO regulations by hospital administrators, nurses no longer have access to the supplies necessary to perform these tests. This article discusses the background surrounding the issues of body fluid regulation and how the current JCAHO laboratory regulations erode the scope of nursing practice. The author makes specific suggestions for nurses to retain their practice in this area.