title: Performance criteria and quality indicators for the post-analytical phase.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Quality indicators (QIs) used as performance measurements are an effective tool in accurately estimating quality, identifying problems that may need to be addressed, and monitoring the processes over time. In Laboratory Medicine, QIs should cover all steps of the testing process, as error studies have confirmed that most errors occur in the pre- and post-analytical phase of testing. Aim of the present study is to provide preliminary results on QIs and related performance criteria in the post-analytical phase.
  
  
  METHODS
  This work was conducted according to a previously described study design based on the voluntary participation of clinical laboratories in the project on QIs of the Working Group "Laboratory Errors and Patient Safety" (WG-LEPS) of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, data collected highlighted an improvement or stability in performances over time for all reported indicators thus demonstrating that the use of QIs is effective in the quality improvement strategy. Moreover, QIs data are an important source for defining the state-of-the-art concerning the error rate in the total testing process. The definition of performance specifications based on the state-of-the-art, as suggested by consensus documents, is a valuable benchmark point in evaluating the performance of each laboratory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laboratory tests play a relevant role in the monitoring and evaluation of the efficacy of patient outcome thus assisting clinicians in decision-making. Laboratory performance evaluation is therefore crucial to providing patients with safe, effective and efficient care.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sciacovelli
authors.forename: Ada
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aita
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Padoan
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pelloso
authors.forename: Giorgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Antonelli
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Piva
authors.forename: Maria Laura
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Chiozza
authors.forename: Mario
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0270-1711
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Plebani
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000592:standards*; D000068598:Data Accuracy; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards*; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D061214:Patient Safety / Q000592:standards*; D058996:Quality Improvement; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D012107:Research Design