Simple errors but great loss – Can these be avoided

Introduction: Quality in laboratory medicine refers to satisfaction of the needs and expectations of users or customers which can be achieved by providing a guarantee in each and every step like the whole testing process which in turn includes the physician ordering the test, pre – analytical, analytical, post – analytical phases and finally the results for interpretation. The aim of this study is to highlight human dependent errors that affects biochemical tests, through cases which we encountered in our lab.
Conclusion: To prevent these errors, a symbiotic and synergistic participation should be there amongst the lab personnel and the health care team. This goal can be achieved with proper education and training of individuals involved in this process. Thus, prevention of these errors will help in better and effective patient management.

Keywords: Errors, Hyperkalemia, Hypernatremia, Lipemic, Preanalytical.