Responding to large-scale testing errors.
Extensive use of automation in the clinical laboratory creates the potential for systematic errors that affect a large number of patient results before the error is discovered. When a large-scale testing error is found, the approaches recommended for responding to individual medical mishaps are often inadequate. This report uses 2 case studies to illustrate some of the unique challenges facing laboratory managers confronted with a large-scale testing error. We identify 9 distinct constituencies that may be impacted by large-scale testing errors, each of which requires laboratory management's thoughtful and timely attention.
Pathology and Laboratory Management Associates, 5301 E Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-3499, USA. paul@valenstein.org
Paul N
PN
Valenstein
G Ann
GA
Alpern
David F
DF
Keren
D057205:Automation, Laboratory / Q000379:methods*; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital; D010338:Pathology, Clinical; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care