Laboratory Quality
Quality indicators established and monitored annually by the NRCP to evaluate process performance.
Test ordering
Appropriateness and accuracy of test requests (ordered tests vs clinical indications).
Patient identification / specimen collection
Correct patient ID at the time of collection to prevent mislabeling or wrong-patient events.
Specimen identification, preparation & transport
Chain-of-custody, labeling, handling and transport conditions to maintain specimen integrity.
Specimen inadequacy / rejection
Rate and causes of rejected specimens; interventions to reduce rejections.
Blood culture contamination
Contamination rates and prevention measures (aseptic technique training, process improvements).
Specimen container information error
Errors related to container type, volume or additive; corrective actions and education.
Analysis
Analytical performance metrics, QC trending and method verification results.
Proficiency testing performance
External quality assessment scores and follow-up on unsatisfactory results.
Result reporting
Accuracy and completeness of reports, correct units and reference ranges.
Inpatient laboratory result availability
Availability of critical results in electronic medical records for clinical teams.
Corrected laboratory reports
Frequency and root causes of report corrections; process improvement actions.
Critical values reporting
Timeliness and documentation of communication for critical values.
Turnaround time
Time from specimen receipt to result reporting for key tests; target compliance rates.
Clinician satisfaction with laboratory services
Survey results, feedback and corrective actions to improve service quality.
Result interpretation and ensuing action
Appropriate interpretation provided, with documented clinical follow-up recommendations.
Follow-up of abnormal results
Mechanisms to ensure timely follow-up and documentation of abnormal or actionable results.