Study Reveals Most Common Laboratory Errors Occur Prior to Actual Delivery of Specimens

An analysis of adverse events stemming from laboratories reveals several common types of errors, according to a study published in the American Journal of Medical Quality.

For this study, researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis of reported laboratory events voluntarily reported electronically by 30 health organizations from 2000 to 2005. They found a total of 37,532 laboratory-related events were reported during that time period, accounting for a little more than 14 percent of all reported adverse events. A closer analysis of the laboratory-related errors revealed the most common types were:

•    Specimens were not labeled (18.7 percent)
•    Specimens were mislabeled (16.3 percent)
•    Improper collection of specimens (13.2 percent)

 



The researchers also found less than 1 percent of all laboratory events caused permanent harm or death. Almost all of the reported errors (81.1 percent) were a result of events that preceded specimen arrival to the laboratory, which suggests a possible need for improved processes and education to prevent these types of errors from occurring in the future.

Related Articles on Adverse Events:

Study: Half of Surveyed Cancer Patients Report Communication Problems With Physicians

CMS Finds 28 Deficiencies With HUMC Transplant Program

Massachusetts Initiative Aims to Improve Patient Relations After Medical Errors

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Webinars