Abstract

The post-analytical phase is the final phase of the total testing process and involves evaluation of laboratory test results; release of test results in a timely manner to appropriate individuals, particularly critical results; and modification, annotation or revocation of results as necessary to support clinical decision-making. Here we present a series of recommendations for post-analytical best practices, tailored to medical biochemistry laboratories in Croatia, which are intended to ensure alignment with national and international norms and guidelines. Implementation of the national recommendations is illustrated through several examples.

Highlights

  • The post-analytical phase is the final phase of laboratory work in which laboratory results are evaluated until they are released

  • National recommendations for the post-analytical phase cerning the medical biochemistry profession to hold master’s degrees or specialisations in medical biochemistry and laboratory medicine, they must have passed the relevant board certification exam, and they must possess a valid license to practise from the Croatian Chamber of Medical Biochemists (CCMB)

  • There are no universal guidelines on maximal permissible sample dilution, our recommendation is that the laboratory define and examine the dilution protocol based on the measurement procedure and define the range of reporting results, including the analytical measurement range (AMR) and maximum dilution that can be used for each test, as well as the method for which dilution is applicable

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Summary

Introduction

The post-analytical phase is the final phase of laboratory work in which laboratory results are evaluated until they are released. National recommendations for the post-analytical phase cerning the medical biochemistry profession to hold master’s degrees or specialisations in medical biochemistry and laboratory medicine, they must have passed the relevant board certification exam, and they must possess a valid license to practise from the Croatian Chamber of Medical Biochemists (CCMB). These experts are authorised to evaluate and release laboratory test results [9,10]. The procedures of the post-analytical phase include (Figure 1): 1. Evaluation of test results

Archiving of laboratory documentation
Comparison with reference intervals
Comparison with previous results
Reference change value
Additional procedures
Sample dilution
Repeat testing
Reflective testing
Reflex testing
Competences of decision-making laboratory personnel
Content and layout of the laboratory test report
Reporting of critical results
Turnaround time
Notification of critical results
Conclusion
Result

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