Ten years of preanalytical monitoring and control: Synthetic Balanced Score Card Indicator |
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| Authors: | Maria Salinas Maite López-Garrigós Emilio Flores Ana Santo-Quiles Mercedes Gutierrez Javier Lugo Rosa Lillo Carlos Leiva-Salinas |
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| Institution: | 1.Clinical Laboratory, Hospital Universitario de San Juan, San Juan de Alicante, Spain;2.Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pathology, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Elche, Spain;3.Department of Clinic Medicine, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Elche, Spain;4.Department of Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA |
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| Abstract: | IntroductionPreanalytical control and monitoring continue to be an important issue for clinical laboratory professionals. The aim of the study was to evaluate a monitoring system of preanalytical errors regarding not suitable samples for analysis, based on different indicators; to compare such indicators in different phlebotomy centres; and finally to evaluate a single synthetic preanalytical indicator that may be included in the balanced scorecard management system (BSC).Materials and methodsWe collected individual and global preanalytical errors in haematology, coagulation, chemistry, and urine samples analysis. We also analyzed a synthetic indicator that represents the sum of all types of preanalytical errors, expressed in a sigma level. We studied the evolution of those indicators over time and compared indicator results by way of the comparison of proportions and Chi-square.ResultsThere was a decrease in the number of errors along the years (P < 0.001). This pattern was confirmed in primary care patients, inpatients and outpatients. In blood samples, fewer errors occurred in outpatients, followed by inpatients.ConclusionWe present a practical and effective methodology to monitor unsuitable sample preanalytical errors. The synthetic indicator results summarize overall preanalytical sample errors, and can be used as part of BSC management system.Key words: Preanalytical phase, errors in laboratory medicine, balanced scorecard, patient safety |
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