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03/14/26

Diagnostic errors in clinical laboratory testing process: incidence and impacts on patient safety--a 3-year voluntary incident report analysis.

Saengpattrachai, Montri; Juntararat, Nuntaga; Wittayapipat, Unchalee; Pimthong, Supa; Voralertkosol, Thanyalak; Musikaew, Pluemjit; Sadangrit, Kawalee; Chaiwong, Warut. Int J Qual Health Care.

Collection Topics
Epidemiology Measurement, Monitoring, and Event Analysis Tests, Screening, and Laboratory Processes
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Summary

Accurate laboratory testing is crucial for diagnosis, and identifying process weaknesses helps drive improvement. This retrospective study from Thailand found most clinical lab errors happen from incorrect test orders and specimen collection—91.1% caused by human factors. Almost all errors were harmless. To improve diagnostic excellence, healthcare organizations should adopt broad strategies targeting human-factor issues and optimize lab workflows.

Read the paper
Saengpattrachai M, Juntararat N, Wittayapipat U, et al. Diagnostic errors in clinical laboratory testing process: incidence and impacts on patient safety--a 3-year voluntary incident report analysis. Int J Qual Health Care. 2026;38(2):mzag038.