title: [Shortfalls in laboratory medicine].
abstract: The area of pre-analysis, from the indication for a test to the analytical instrument, represents the interface between the physician requesting laboratory tests and the analyst performing them. Given the high standard of current analytical practice, this area has become limiting with regard to the usefulness of laboratory medicine. Pertinent problems are illustrated by means of several examples. Hints on avoiding this kind of error are given.
authors.affiliation: LABORMED AG, Zürich.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hagemann
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000009:adverse effects; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged