The incorrect laboratory result. Part 1: Pre- and postanalytical phase

Laboratory results play a key role in the diagnostic procedure, the decision of treatment and the follow up of diseases. A high validity of the laboratory result is an important precondition for the efficacy in clinical medicine. Analytical standards have been developed under strong quality control criteria, however, there are no sufficiently defined standards for the pre- and postanalytical phase in laboratory diagnostics. Thus, most of laboratory errors are caused by pre- and postanalytical mistakes. The competent knowledge of possible sources for laboratory errors is a critical precondition for their avoidance. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity play an important role for the choice of a laboratory test, whereas the predictive value should be considered for the medical relevance of the test result. In addition, many interference factors, which may influence the results of the laboratory tests have to be considered as age, sex, race, lifestyle, drugs, pregnancy, specimen collection, quality and handling as well as special factors, which may influence the complex of immunological and molecular diagnostics.