Assessment of Extra-analytical Phase: Improving Laboratory Service and Patient Safety
Tunji Akande *
Department of Chemical Pathology, Bingham University, Jos, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Laboratory quality management plans with pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic components are key elements in ensuring patient safety. The greatest impact for overall improvement would be to focus on pre-and post-analytic services where most errors occur.
Objectives: To develop and maintain high quality practice standards for laboratory testing, to ensure patient safety by minimizing medical errors associated with laboratory service.
Methods: A review of quality management of the extra-analytic phase of the test system for improving patient safety
Results: The proportion of errors associated with the two extra-analytical phases is 4-5 times that seen in the analytical phase with the pre-analytical phase consistently representing over half of the all errors in published studies.
Conclusion: The current focus on analytical quality of the total process alone has to be expanded to include the extra-analytical phases. Laboratories need to take greater responsibility for activities, outside their immediate control for an effective laboratory service.
Keywords: Quality management, laboratories, patient safety, extra-analytical phases