Analytical&Postanalytical
Lab errors
[Link] Osama Khalil
Analytical phase
Actual performance of the test.
Analytic activities
• Specific reagents .
• Test kits .
• Proper patient information.
• Proper interpretation- include disclaimers.
Factors influencing analytic activities
• Proficiency of personnel.
• Stability, integrity and reliability of
reagents .
• Equipment reliability,
• Specificity and sensitivity of tests .
• Use of appropriate controls .
• Documentation .
• Assessment.
Components of Analytic phase
Monitor, evaluate and maintain this phase
for ensuring reliability of results. This can
be done by :
Equipment – reliability and maintainence
Examination procedures
Quality of examination procedure
Equipment
• Proper installation
• Calibration
• Validation
• Regular maintainance
• Train the operator
Examination procedure
• Standard procedures
• In house – to be validated – references,
interlab comparisons
• Review of all procedures periodically
Analytical Errors
Test system not calibrated
Results reported when control results
out of range
Improper measurements of specimens
and/or reagents
Reagents prepared incorrectly
Reagents stored inappropriately or used
after expiration date
Dilution and pipetting errors
Post Analytical phase
Results and data review
Reports
Interpretation
Communicate reports to physician
Storage of specimen
Post analytic activities
Review and evaluate the following:
Accuracy and completeness of results and
reports
Disposition of unacceptable specimens
Referral specimens and their reports
Corrected reports
Reporting of results
Release of reports only to the authorized
person
Timely release of provisional and final
report
Any value which exceeds the normal limit
must be clearly published, understood and
verbally, electronically or printed form -
when, where, what and to whom was
reported - document it.
Result format:
Name and address of lab
Name of patient with gender
Lab ID number
Date and time of receipt of sample
Type of sample
Name of test requested
Result with the units
The normal or reference range of the test
Interpretation and explanation of the value of result
Value added textual comments
Name of the person authorising the release of the
report
Signature of the person releasing the report
Post-Analytical Error
Transcription errors in reporting
Report sent to the wrong location
Report illegible
Report not sent
Summary
Pre-Analytical Errors Analytical Errors
• 46 – 68.2% • 7 – 13.3 %
• Insufficient sample. • Equipment Malfunction
• Sample condition. • Sample Mix up
• Sample handling. • Interference
• Incorrect Identification. Post-Analytical
• Incorrect sample. • 18.5 – 47 %
• Reporting and
Interpreting
• Improper date entry