Critical Risk Results - An Update on International Initiatives.

Area of Science:

• Clinical Pathology
• Laboratory Medicine
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Direct communication of critical results is vital for patient safety.
• A European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) survey revealed inconsistencies in critical result alert lists across 871 laboratories in 30 countries.
• Many laboratories do not consult clinicians when developing alert lists, despite ISO15189 recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the global variation in critical risk results management.
• To emphasize the need for harmonization and best practices in laboratory alert systems.
• To promote patient safety through improved critical result communication.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a survey of 871 laboratories from 30 countries by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM).
• Review of existing guidelines and recommendations from bodies like the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB).

Main Results:

• Only 3 tests were common to 90% of laboratory alert lists surveyed.
• Less than half (48%) of laboratories consulted clinicians in developing their alert lists.
• Significant worldwide variation exists in managing critical risk results and developing protocols.

Conclusions:

• There is a need for harmonization and "best practice" in critical risk results management.
• Emphasis on patient risk assessment is recommended for developing alert tables and protocols.
• Involving laboratory users and gathering outcome-based evidence are essential for advancing laboratory practices and patient safety.