Biochemistry laboratory errors and patient safety: Turkey data

Abstract

Objectives: Our aim in this study is to provide information about the rate of errors in the process of the biochemistry laboratories in the hospitals in Turkey with the “Indicators”. Methods: The hospitals calculate their own data accord ing to the indicator cards defined by the Ministry of Health of Turkey and enter into the system once in a year. In this study we examined the quality indicators related to the disruptions in the biochemistry laboratory of hospitals for the year of 2018. Results: All indicators except “Non-timely reported result rate in biochemistry laboratory” are found to be significantly higher in university hospitals. This indicator is found to be significantly higher in private hospitals (p:0.030) “Lost sample rate in biochemistry laboratory” is found to be significantly higherin Eastern Anatolia Region (p:0.000) and “Non-timely reported result rate in biochemistry laboratory” is found to be significantly higher in Aegean Region (p:0.008). Conclusions: The ratio of non-timely reported result rate is the most seen disruption in biochemistry laboratories. It may be due to lots of reasons; lack of biochemistry equipment, lack of staff, problems in transportation, etc. The management of hospitals and the staff should take measures and regulations about problems.