The brain-to-brain loop concept for laboratory testing 40 years after its introduction.

Area of Science:

• Clinical pathology
• Laboratory medicine
• Medical diagnostics

Background:

• The brain-to-brain loop model for laboratory testing was introduced 40 years ago by Lundberg.
• This model outlines the physician's role from test selection to result transmission.
• It established a framework for classifying errors as preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution of the brain-to-brain loop in laboratory testing over the past four decades.
• To analyze the impact of changes in medical practice on this loop.
• To discuss the implications for understanding and managing laboratory testing errors.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical concepts and changes in laboratory testing.
• Analysis of the impact of evolving medical practices on the laboratory testing workflow.
• Examination of error classification (preanalytic, analytic, postanalytic) within the context of the altered loop.

Main Results:

• Significant alterations in the brain-to-brain loop have occurred due to changes in medical practice.
• These changes have implications for the identification and analysis of laboratory testing errors.
• The traditional preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic error framework remains relevant but requires adaptation.

Conclusions:

• The brain-to-brain loop concept has significantly influenced laboratory quality assessment.
• Contemporary medical practices necessitate a re-evaluation of how errors are managed within the evolving loop.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for improving the accuracy and reliability of laboratory diagnostics.