Laboratory Error Manangement

A laboratory error affects: (Hint: more than one option applicable)

• The laboratory personnel

• The laboratory's public image

• Equipment in the laboratory

• The product of the organisation

The foremost aim of error management is to:

• To find the person(s) responsible

• To protect the public image of the organisation

• Change the process to prevent re-occurrence

The following is NOT an example of a pre-examination error:

• Incorrectly storing reagents or kits

• Failing to appropriately label a sample

• Collecting a sample from the wrong patient

• Using an incorrect amount of reagent

Variables that may affect laboratory errors include

• Reagents

• Equipment

• Result interpretation

• The communication of results

• All of the above

Error surveillance must be maintained at:

• Pre-examination

• Examination

• Post-examination

• All of the above

Standard operating procedures (SOP's) are crucial for maintenance for every aspect EXCEPT

• Ensuring lab quality for patients

• Promoting incompetent staff

• Consistency amongst lab staff

• Ensuring reliable lab results

________________ ensures that all laboratory process activities are being carried out correctly

• Documentation control

• Proficiency testing

• Process control

• Validation