Outline of critical error points for the verification of clinical chemistry laboratory test values

This thesis presents a classification of critical error points of clinical chemical analyses. Recognition of these errors is necessary for the proper interpretation of laboratory test results. The critical error points are discussed as pertaining to the areas of Quality Control, Specimen Handling, Analytical Processing, and Physiological Considerations. The primary objectives of this thesis are to provide (1) an outline of these critical error points for use as a stimulus to increase awareness of their existence, and (2) a guide in the problem solving process when attempting to verify the validity of a suspicious test result. The use of such an outline will facilitate rapid detection of potential errors. Such rapid detection will minimize reporting erroneous results and will lead to an increase in the accuracy and reliability of laboratory work. It is felt that this outline provides a practical approach to problem solving which can be initiated with the information readily available to the technologist. Approaching problem solving from the technologist's viewpoint does not require the traditional case study.