Abstract
IntroductionInterpretation of laboratory test results is a complex post-analytical activity that requires not only understanding of the clinical significance of laboratory results but also the analytical phase of laboratory work. The aims of this study were to determine: 1) the general opinion of Croatian medical biochemistry laboratories (MBLs) about the importance of interpretative comments on laboratory test reports, and 2) to find out whether harmonization of interpretative comments is needed.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study was designed as a survey by the Working Group for Post-analytics as part of national External Quality Assessment (EQA) program. All 195 MBLs participating in the national EQA scheme, were invited to participate in the survey. Results are reported as percentages of the total number of survey participants.ResultsOut of 195 MBLs, 162 participated in the survey (83%). Among them 59% MBLs implemented test result comments in routine according to national recommendations. The majority of laboratories (92%) state that interpretative comments added value to the laboratory reports, and a substantial part (72%) does not have feedback from physicians on their significance. Although physicians and patients ask for expert opinion, participants stated that the lack of interest of physicians (64%) as well as the inability to access patient’s medical record (62%) affects the quality of expert opinion.ConclusionAlthough most participants state that they use interpretative comments and provide expert opinions regarding test results, results of the present study indicate that harmonization for interpretative comments is needed.
Highlights
Interpretation of laboratory test results is a complex post-analytical activity that requires understanding of the clinical significance of laboratory results and the analytical phase of laboratory work
Among them 59% medical biochemistry laboratories (MBLs) implemented test result comments in routine according to national recommendations
The majority of laboratories (92%) state that interpretative comments added value to the laboratory reports, and a substantial part (72%) does not have feedback from physicians on their significance
Summary
Interpretation of laboratory test results is a complex post-analytical activity that requires understanding of the clinical significance of laboratory results and the analytical phase of laboratory work. In order to provide the best possible understanding of test results, it is necessary to consider how laboratory professionals can contribute to their interpretation, in order to provide physicians better understanding of the obtained results [1,2,3]. Harmonization of this part of the post-analytical phase would minimize the existing differences between laboratories in the interpretation of test results and in that way would certainly contribute to the quality of interpretative comments [4]. There are no universal guidelines regarding the use of interpretative comments, the International Organization for Standardization 15189 standard in its section 5.8.3 states that the laboratory report should include them where appropriate, which indicates the importance of using interpretative comments in routine work [5]
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