LDP
LDP
• Sorting
• Calculating
• Summarizing
• Recording
Phases of Data Processing
Post-analytical
Pre-analytical Analytical
(Post testing /
(pre testing phase) (testing phase)
reporting phase)
• Patient Identification
This type of error includes missing or wrong patient information and may arise when a patient is not conscious
at the time the sample is taken, or because the sample is needed very quickly. Patient identification errors may
also be caused by improper or illegible specimen labeling.
• Specimen Collection
Sometimes errors can occur during specimen collection. Specimen collection errors might arise from patient
conditions during collection—such as fragile veins. They can also occur if samples are taken at different points
during the day, or when the patient is receiving laboratory medicines.
• Quality Control
To reduce pre-analytical error rates, all procedures should be standardized and automated whenever possible. By
establishing a standardized system to recognize pre-analytical errors, many of these said errors can be prevented.
Implementing an automated system for identifying, storing, and tracking samples can eliminate errors at the
front end. Doing this also cuts down the labor intensiveness of manual implementation. In this way, once an
error has been detected, the system can be used to reject related samples.
Analytic Phase
The analytical phase begins when the lab prepares a patient specimen for testing, and
culminates in the verification and interpretation of the test results. Advances in
lab automation tools have helped to improve analytical techniques within the lab, provide
superior instrumentation, and decrease error rates.
Laboratory Testing
Human and instrumental errors may be encountered during the analytical phase.
Occasionally random errors may also occur. Errors that skew sample measurement due
to human mistakes or instrumental malfunctions are more common. The following
errors may arise during laboratory testing in the analytical phase
Even with automation in place, analytical quality remains a significant issue. For
example, issues can arise due to inadequate sample preparation or the accidental
presence of substances that can interfere with the accuracy, sensitivity, and precision of
results. To avoid these problems between test ordering and reporting test results,
laboratories should commit to the following protocols:
Implementation Implementation
of manuals of a testing Upkeep of records
defining policy, program for relating to the lab
process, and clinician test environment
procedure menu
Provision of Automation of
clinician training instrument
and competency calibration and
evaluation tracking
Post-analytical Phase
The post-analytical phase is the final stage of the testing process, in which the test
results are reviewed by clinicians. During this phase, the results should also be
promptly released. This is particularly important for critical results and those which are
needed to help medical professionals to make critical health decisions for their patients.
Test Results
Even at the post-analytics phase, errors can still occur. Data entry errors can arise
when results are recorded and stored manually. Post-analytical errors can also occur
during data transmission. In some instances, verbal information may be passed on
incorrectly or misheard. Other common errors with post-analytical test results include:
Delayed
Incorrect turnaround
calculations time for
results
Results
Results are
returned to
not
the wrong
reported
individual
Quality Assurance
To improve and maintain high levels of quality assurance at the post-analytic phase,
clinicians can implement the following preventive measures