What Are the Consequences of Preanalytical Errors?
Consequences can range from mild to severe and include:
1. Diagnostic Delays: Incorrect or delayed diagnoses can occur due to compromised sample integrity. 2. Patient Harm: Inappropriate treatment decisions based on erroneous test results can harm patients. 3. Increased Healthcare Costs: Repeat tests and extended hospital stays due to diagnostic errors contribute to higher healthcare costs. 4. Legal and Ethical Issues: Preanalytical errors can lead to legal actions and damage the reputation of healthcare institutions.
