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Laboratory error undetectable by customary quality control/quality assurance monitors
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, NC 27858-4354.
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|July 1, 1993
Summary
This study found that analytical errors accounted for most laboratory errors in creatinine testing, highlighting a need for improvement. Preanalytical and postanalytical errors were minimal, suggesting current quality control strategies are effective for these phases.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Laboratory Medicine
- Quality Control
Background:
- Laboratory errors impact patient care and healthcare costs.
- Preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical phases are potential sources of error.
- Limited research exists on the specific error rates within each laboratory phase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the rates of preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical errors in a clinical chemistry laboratory.
- To identify the primary sources of laboratory error in plasma creatinine measurements.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 438 plasma samples for creatinine measurement.
- Utilized red blood cell antigen testing for patient-sample identity verification.
- Performed duplicate creatinine analysis and specimen tracking from receipt to result entry.
Main Results:
- A total laboratory error rate of 9.36% was observed.
- Analytical errors constituted 8.90% of the total error rate.
- Preanalytical errors were 0.00%, and postanalytical errors were 0.46%.
Conclusions:
- Preanalytical and postanalytical errors are not major contributors to laboratory error in this setting.
- The high rate of analytical errors necessitates further investigation and improvement strategies.
- Current quality control may be insufficient for detecting all analytical errors.