Enhancing clinical laboratory reporting: The impact of implementing a critical laboratory value protocol

Abstract

This study examines the influence of a newly implemented protocol for critical laboratory values on the quality and accuracy of laboratory reports in a clinical setting. The necessity of strict adherence to protocols in clinical laboratories is underscored by the potential for a deviation of up to 45% in results, leading to diagnostic errors. The research focused on emergency service critical values, adhering to a designated protocol list. Conducted in two phases, the study initially involved training sessions and a knowledge questionnaire regarding the protocol, followed by a repeated questionnaire and analysis of laboratory test reports. Among 181,507 emergency examinations, critical values constituted 2.75% (4,998 cases). While protocol knowledge did not show significant improvement, reporting accuracy for creatinine, glucose, sodium, leukocytes, platelets, and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) markedly increased. Timely and effective notification rates improved significantly, as did staff reporting consistency across shifts. The study concludes that implementing a critical value protocol significantly enhances the quality of clinical laboratory reporting, although timely critical value quality remains below the requisite standard.