False negative results occur when a person tests negative for a disease or condition they do have. What are false positive and false negative results?False positive results occur when a person tests positive for a disease or condition they don’t have. They must also actively investigate any actual or potential errors and demonstrate corrective actions in their procedures to prevent similar errors from occurring again. All pathology laboratories must participate in quality assurance programs that test their performance as part of their accreditation requirements. These highly automated instruments can analyse the specimens quickly with minimal human assistance, although highly skilled staff are still required to ensure the equipment is operating effectively and producing the correct results.ĭid you know?Pathology laboratories are leaders in the medical profession in monitoring and reducing rates of errors and adverse incidents. reports issued in the postanalytical stage may contain incorrect results that need to be withdrawn and the report reissued.Īre all pathology specimens analysed by machines?Some areas of pathology are highly automated and involve placing multiple specimens, such as tubes of blood, into sophisticated machines called analysers.This risk is monitored and controlled by quality assurance processes required by all accredited pathology laboratories the actual testing of the sample may not be performed accurately in the analytical stage.The risk to a person is usually minimal and might involve collecting another sample the sample may be degraded by being transported incorrectly.Less than 1% of pathology specimens have a problem that prevents the result being issued safely, or requires collecting another sample. About 2% of pathology specimens have a minor issue that may require clarification and delay the result. More than 97% of all pathology specimens are analysed without incident. For example, a person can be transfused with the wrong blood type if they are not correctly identified. If the person is not identified correctly, or the pathology sample and/or request form do not have the correct information about the correct person, the results may be attributed to another person or treatment may be delayed or missed. The post-analytical stage covers the steps after the sample is analysed.Īre there any risks?The highest risk in the pathology process is when a person presents to have their sample collected.The analytical stage is the actual testing of the sample.The pre-analytical stage covers all aspects of the process before the sample is tested.How safe is pathology testing? Are there any risks?The request-test-report cycle represents the pathology testing process and can be divided into three main stages: Patients can also refer to the NATA website which lists all Medical Testing laboratories currently accredited in Australia. How do I know if a pathology laboratory is accredited?Look for the NATA/RCPA logos or endorsement certificates that should be clearly displayed in collection centres or pathology laboratories, or ask the pathology laboratory staff if they have NATA/RCPA certification. Potential risks to patients are also addressed by these standards. This accreditation process is compulsory for tests funded through Medicare and ensures Medicare benefits are only paid for pathology services performed to a high standard of accuracy. The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), which is an independent assessing body, and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) jointly perform an accreditation assessment of pathology laboratories seeking approval as an Approved Pathology Laboratory. NPAAC plays a key role in ensuring the quality of Australian pathology services. Does anyone regulate the safety and quality of pathology laboratories?Accreditation is per formed against standards developed and maintained by the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC), which is a ministerially appointed expert Council that provides advice to the Australian Government and State and Territory Ministers on matters relating to the accreditation of pathology laboratories.
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