Pre-analytical analytical and post-analytical phases of testing
A lab testing process is divided into three stages: pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical. What are the Phases of Laboratory Testing?Whether you’re in a research or healthcare setting, in hematology or microbiology, you can measure the quality of a laboratory’s procedures by the reliability, accuracy, and promptness of the reported metrics and test results. In order to obtain the most accurate results, each aspect of the lab’s operations must be optimized to maintain reliability. To ensure this is possible, laboratories must follow the standard phases of testing. Each cycle of clinical laboratory testing is divided into three stages:
In this article, we will review the three phases of laboratory testing in detail. Pre-analytical PhaseThe pre-analytic phase is a crucial part of laboratory testing and is as equally important as the subsequent phases. Laboratory professionals have no direct involvement in this process. Preanalytical factors that can affect the results of a test include:
Pre-analytical errors are those which arise before the samples are measured by laboratory professionals. Although most pre-analytical errors are discovered before the samples reach the lab, if they are not spotted, they can cause serious problems further down the line. Here is a rundown of some of the most common pre-analytical errors: Patient IdentificationPatient identification errors are common during the pre-analytical phase and can cause medical laboratories serious issues with patient safety. This type of error includes missing or wrong patient information and may arise when a patient is not conscious at the time the sample is taken, or because the sample is needed very quickly. Patient identification errors may also be caused by improper or illegible specimen labeling. Specimen CollectionSometimes errors can occur during specimen collection. Specimen collection errors might arise from patient conditions during collection—such as fragile veins. They can also occur if samples are taken at different points during the day, or when the patient is receiving laboratory medicines. Quality ControlTo reduce pre-analytical error rates, all procedures should be standardized and automated whenever possible. By establishing a standardized system to recognize pre-analytical errors, many of these said errors can be prevented. Implementing an automated system for identifying, storing, and tracking samples can eliminate errors at the front end. Doing this also cuts down the labor intensiveness of manual implementation. In this way, once an error has been detected, the system can be used to reject related samples. Analytical PhaseThe analytical phase begins when the lab prepares a patient specimen for testing, and culminates in the verification and interpretation of the test results. Advances in lab automation tools have helped to improve analytical techniques within the lab, provide superior instrumentation, and decrease error rates. Laboratory TestingHuman and instrumental errors may be encountered during the analytical phase. Occasionally random errors may also occur. Errors that skew sample measurement due to human mistakes or instrumental malfunctions are more common. The following errors may arise during laboratory testing in the analytical phase:
Quality AssuranceEven with automation in place, analytical quality remains a significant issue. For example, issues can arise due to inadequate sample preparation or the accidental presence of substances that can interfere with the accuracy, sensitivity, and precision of results. To avoid these problems between test ordering and reporting test results, laboratories should commit to the following protocols:
Post-analytical PhaseThe post-analytical phase is the final stage of the testing process, in which the test results are reviewed by clinicians. During this phase, the results should also be promptly released. This is particularly important for critical results and those which are needed to help medical professionals to make critical health decisions for their patients. Test ResultsEven at the post-analytics phase, errors can still occur. Data entry errors can arise when results are recorded and stored manually. Post-analytical errors can also occur during data transmission. In some instances, verbal information may be passed on incorrectly or misheard. Other common errors with post-analytical test results include:
Quality AssuranceTo improve and maintain high levels of quality assurance at the post-analytic phase, clinicians can implement the following preventive measures:
Track the Test Results of Your Laboratory Testing with GenemodGenemod has developed a unique digital automation system to help healthcare facilities and laboratories reduce errors through every phase of lab testing. With the Genemod dashboard, you can access all your tools and data from one virtual location. You can also grant access and share reports on time. Not only does our digital system reduce the risk of human error and loss reports, but it is also highly customizable. This means you can add the tools you need without having to search through unwanted software. Our digital information system is user-friendly, making it easy to manage projects across all teams. Our lab automation system can help you to:
Contact Genemod today to find out more about how to automate your lab. What are the 3 phases of laboratory testing?Total testing process in the laboratory is a cyclical process divided into three phases: preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical.
What is prePreanalytical, Analytical and Postanalytical Variables. Preanalytical variables occur prior to specimen testing and may include variables involving the process of obtaining a specimen.. Analytical variables occur during actual testing of the specimen. ... . Postanalytical variables occur after a test result is generated.. What is postThe post-analytical phase is the final phase of the total testing process and involves evaluation of laboratory test results; release of test results in a timely manner to appropriate individuals, particularly critical results; and modification, annotation or revocation of results as necessary to support clinical ...
What is prePreanalytical phase comprises of test selection, patient identification, collection of the sample, handling of the sample, sorting out, pipetting and centrifugation (2, 3). Negligence in any of these steps can lead to erroneous results attributed to preanalytical phase.
|