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Critical value of the clinical laboratory test in Thailand
Kulnaree Sirisali1, Sudarat Manochiopinij, Pairoj Leelahakul
1Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Only 48.9% of Thai clinical laboratories implemented critical value lists (CVL). Despite varied perceptions and influencing factors, most laboratories recognize CVLs as crucial for quality control in result reporting.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Critical values are essential laboratory results requiring physician attention.
- Implementing a critical value list (CVL) is a key aspect of good laboratory practice globally.
- This study assesses the current implementation status and influencing factors of CVLs in Thai clinical laboratories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the current situation of critical value list (CVL) implementation in Thai clinical laboratories.
- To identify factors influencing the adoption and consideration of CVLs.
- To understand the perceptions of Thai laboratories regarding CVL implementation and its utility.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire with 34 questions was distributed to 450 randomly selected Thai clinical laboratories (private and government hospitals).
- Data collection involved a two-month response period via mail.
- Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test on Microsoft Excel.
Main Results:
- Only 48.9% of Thai laboratories have implemented a CVL.
- Significant factors influenced CVL implementation, with differences noted between implementing and non-implementing labs (p < 0.01).
- While CVL implementation did not differ significantly between private and government hospitals (p > 0.1), assigned personnel for critical value notification did (p < 0.01).
- A large majority (95.7%) view CVLs as an extraordinary tool for quality control, despite only 20.2% finding implementation non-troublesome.
Conclusions:
- Thai laboratories exhibit varied perceptions and face external factors regarding CVL implementation.
- Despite challenges, the utilization of CVLs is recognized as an extraordinary measure for assuring the quality of test results.
- Further investigation into factors beyond current consideration may be needed for broader adoption.
Background:
The critical values are the values of laboratory testing results which required attention or action by the physicians. It is an essential component of good laboratory practice and widely used throughout the world. The present study examined the current situation on implementing of critical value list (CVL) of Thai clinical laboratory and what factors were involved in their consideration.
Material And Method:
A questionnaire composed of 3 main categories made up of 34 questions was mailed to 450 Thai clinical laboratories. These participated laboratories were randomly selected from both private-and government-hospitals. Participated ones were requested to answer the questionnaire and return via mail within two months. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test on Microsoft Excel.
Results:
The results showed that there were only 48.9% of Thai laboratories implemented the CVL. It was found that there were many factors which governed the implementation of critical values. These factors were significantly different between those who implement the critical values and those did not (p < 0.01). In regard to private- and government-hospital laboratories, implementation of CVL was not significant difference (p > 0.1). However, it was found that assigned persons who responded to notify and act on the critical value was significantly different (p < 0.01). Moreover there were no significant differences on laboratory policy, communication method as well as standard operating procedures on critical values between the private- and government-hospital laboratories (p > 0.1). There were only 20.2% of those who implemented the CVL and considered this action as a non-troublesome matter. But, a large group of 95.7% considered this matter as an extra-ordinary tool for quality control of result reporting system.
Conclusion:
Thai laboratories perceived the implementation of critical values list differently. There were some factors beyond their consideration. However utilizing of CVL would be an extra-ordinary tool for assuring test results.
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