Pre-Analytical Errors

    Inaccurate quality of specimen

    Wrong identification of patient and/or specimen

    Missing physician order

    Inappropriate quantity of specimen

    Use of inappropriate container

    Failure to label specimen container

    Improper specimen collection technique

    Inappropriate storage, transportation, handling or accession of specimens

    Improper patient preparation

Analytical Errors

    Improper testing equipment functioning or calibration

    Improper test performance

    Improper result calculation

    Inadequate turn-around time

    Unavailability of add-on and repeat testing

Post-Analytical Errors

    Improper or untimely generation and transmission of test results

    Use of non-standardized units in reporting

    Failure to correct an erroneous result

    Failure to notify the physician of a laboratory-testing problem

    Data entry errors

    Computer system malfunctions

    Inaccurate or untimely physician interpretation and transmission of testing result to patient