Recommendations for reporting and flagging of reference limits on pathology reports

Area of Science:

• Clinical Pathology
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Significant variations in pathology report rendering exist among Australasian Pathology Providers.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests these variations lead to misinterpretation of results, posing a clinical safety risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and recommend standardized practices for pathology report rendering.
• To enhance clarity and reduce misinterpretation of pathology results.

Main Methods:

• Surveys conducted by the RCPA PITUS Project identified rendering variations.
• Collection of anecdotal evidence regarding misinterpretation of results.

Main Results:

• Identified significant variations in how pathology reports are presented.
• Documented instances where report rendering issues may have led to clinical safety concerns.

Conclusions:

• Standardized recommendations are proposed for rendering reference limits, result flags, and sub-population data for reference intervals.
• Recommendations are applicable to both paper and electronic pathology reports.
• Draft recommendations will be published for peer review in late 2014.