FREE TOOLKIT

Specimen Error Study Toolkit

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Laboratory testing plays a pivotal role in medical decision-making, with 60–70% of clinical decisions relying on lab results. Unfortunately, patient safety events involving specimens are often the precursors to more serious errors, such as diagnostic mistakes and inappropriate treatments. While errors can and do occur within the lab, research shows that most specimen errors actually happen outside the laboratory. In fact, 68.2% of these errors occur during the Pre-analytical Phase, involving issues like mislabeling and inaccurate patient identification.

The good news is that these specimen errors are highly preventable. Effective interventions – built on strong policies, timely feedback, and targeted education – don’t have to be resource-intensive. After reviewing nearly 3,000 specimen events over four years, the American Data Network Patient Safety Organization (ADNPSO) found that 77% of specimen incidents could have been prevented through proactive measures.

Recognizing this, ADNPSO conducted a specimen errors study, aimed at improving patient care, satisfaction, quality/safety, and financial performance. The study brought together healthcare professionals from both inside and outside the lab to collaboratively reduce errors across all phases of the testing process. By addressing common vulnerabilities in the specimen process, this study successfully highlighted opportunities for reducing errors and enhancing patient safety.

We’re offering FREE access to the Specimen Errors Study Toolkit, which includes many of the same materials developed for ADNPSO’s study participants. This toolkit will empower your organization to take actionable steps toward minimizing errors, improving safety, and boosting financial performance.

Toolkit Includes

  • EDITABLE Detailed Process Maps for every phase in the specimen process
  • Specimen Study Blueprint Checklist
  • Anatomy of a Specimen Error Infographic
  • Press Release Template
  • Specimen Study Reference List
  • Specimen Study Information Sheet
  • Event Reporting Application Information Sheet

Ready to reduce errors and improve outcomes? Download ADN’s Specimen Errors Study Toolkit today and take the first step toward data-driven decisions that help reduce specimen errors while aligning with your hospital’s safety goals.