In: Biology
Pre-analytical: test request, patient and specimen identification, specimen collection, transport, accessioning and processing. Analytical: specimen testingPost-analytical: reporting test results, interpretation, follow up, storage, retesting if needed.
The concept of total quality management experience encompasses all the steps involved in sample processing, beginning from test ordering to the final interpretation of results by the clinicians to reduce or eliminate the errors that may arise during the various steps. The promotion of ideal phlebotomy practices and sample transport procedures is a pre-requisite For the efficacy of laboratory functioning. The dependence on accurate laboratory results for diagnostics makes it mandatory for labs to ensure accountability and accuracy of results to neglect incorrect diagnosis as a consequence of faulty reporting. A practice of keeping a record of the errors at all stages of analysis and then following corrective strategies for their prevention can gradually free a laboratory from such errors.