| Laboratory test results play an important role in | | | | instructions before specimen collection, insufficient |
| diagnosis and treatment of a patient. Many decisions | | | | sized sample to conduct the test and samples not |
| made by doctors or physicians are dependent on the | | | | being placed in inappropriate storage. In some hospitals, |
| accuracy of these tests results. In order to ensure the | | | | they set “zero tolerance” standards to these |
| accuracy of results, proper patient preparation, handling | | | | mistakes. They want to be sure that samples are |
| and accurate specimen collection is necessary. Patient | | | | collected accurately and with the proper amount |
| and specimen misidentification can result in | | | | before conducting some tests. |
| misdiagnosis and mistreatment. | | | | Because of the huge risk accompanying specimen |
| In many hospitals, health care and lab personnel follow | | | | collection, most hospitals nowadays are improving their |
| standard operating procedures and guidelines in the | | | | specimen collection system. This ensures that the |
| collection of specimens from patients. They take | | | | specimens and the data they have gathered are |
| precautions as to the proper use of equipment to | | | | accurate and up to date. By improving their system, |
| ensure the safety of the patients and themselves. | | | | they can improve patient’s safety and satisfaction. |
| They also ensure the accurateness of the specimens | | | | They can also provide accurate information needed |
| and data they collect from the patients. A simple | | | | for proper treatment. With the help technology, |
| misidentification can cause major damage. | | | | specimen collection systems and data gathering can |
| Although proper guidelines are set, some specimen | | | | be much easier than before. This can lessen or zero |
| collection mistakes are still common in hospitals. Some | | | | out common hospital mistakes that cause serious |
| of these mistakes include; mislabeling of a specimen | | | | medical problems. By improved medical technology, |
| and inaccurate information on the test form, inaccurate | | | | patients can be diagnosed and treated correctly. |