Question

In clinical laboratory testing, how can we minimize pre - analytical , analytical and post - analytical errors ?

Answer 1

Answer:

In the clinical laboratory, error is meant that any defect from ordering tests to reporting and interpretation of results. If the errors frequency is 0.012- 0.6% of test reports which in turn had a huge impact on diagnosis, treatment and 60 -70% diagnosis are made on the basis of laboratory tests results only. The errors should be avoided, to prevent risks.

Pre analytical errors can be minimize by the following steps:

1. Knowing up to date advances in minimizing pre analytical errors.In this aspect all the employees should well educate.

2. Usage of technologies like barcodes, radio frequency identification, wrist bands etc , by this also can overcome mistakes in patient identification. Automated detection kits like hemolysis index is more reliable.

3. Laboratory Information system and interface with Health management organization , hospital information system also reduces errors.

4. Plastic tubes offer significant advantages over glass tubes because plastic tubes offers increase in centrifugation speed during sample separation, closed blood collection systems also reduces errors.

5. Following the set of guidelines like CDL central drug laboratory guidelines.

6. By using SOP’s that is standard operating procedures and protocols can minimize errors.

7. Maintaining records should contain all data whatever they are doing, validated documents, records should maintain.

Analytical errors causes during testing can be minimizing by the following:

1. By using well written documents and study protocols. by using automated equipments.

2. Adequate and appropriate validation is required for laboratory instruments. By this accurate data is obtained.

3. By analytical verification, verification with reference limits, regular maintaince of equipment, services, documentation also minimize errors.

4. List of references, guidance documents and informative websites for employees who work in laboratories that analyze samples of animals can also reduce errors.

Post analytical errors can be minimize by the following steps:

After completion of analytical testing, we have to interpret data; complete verification of analytical data, consolidation of data, making reports, verification of entire reports once again can minimize errors, finally communication of laboratory data to the physicians.

Note: The provided answer is as per my knowledge may be or may not be 100% correct, but definitely relevant to your question thank you so much.