What should a sleep technician do first to ensure the proper test is being performed?

The first step a sleep technician should take to ensure the proper test is being performed is to review the chart for the physician's order. This is crucial because the physician's order provides specific information about the type of sleep study required, including the indications for the test, which conditions are to be diagnosed, and any particular protocols that must be followed.

Having this information ensures that the technician is conducting the correct type of study — whether it is a polysomnography, home sleep apnea test, or a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration study, for example. The order acts as the foundation for the entire testing process, guiding what equipment to set up and how to interpret the findings appropriately.

While contacting the physician, asking the patient about their chief complaint, and performing physiological calibrations are important parts of the testing process, they should come after reviewing the physician's order. Only with a clear understanding of what the physician has prescribed can the technician proceed with confidence and clarity.