title: Factitious biochemical measurements resulting from hematologic conditions.
abstract: Factitious laboratory results often lead to unnecessary testing or treatment. This brief review of factitious biochemical results due to preexisting hematologic conditions focuses on the mechanisms underlying the factitious results and suggests ways to prevent them. An observant pathologist identifies these errors, intervenes in a timely fashion, investigates the sources of error diligently, and institutes measures to prevent their recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematopathology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: Bakul I
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Dalal
authors.forename: Malcolm L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Brigden
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D019963:Clinical Chemistry Tests; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards