Patient Safety & Post-analytical Error

Post-analytical laboratory processes have been considered to be less prone to error than preanalytical processes because of the widespread adoption of laboratory automation and interfaced laboratory reporting. Quality monitors and controls for the post-analytical process have focused on critical result notification, meeting established turnaround time goals, and review of changed reports. The rapid increase in the adoption of electronic health records has created a new role for laboratory professionals in the management of patient test results. Laboratory professionals must interface with the clinical side of the health care team in establishing quality control for post-analytical processes, particularly in high-risk transitions of care.