Transforming Healthcare Means Zero Harm: Laboratory Testing Matters

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective My role model when I was a medical technologist intern was a chief pathologist who taught me to speak up when something is unsafe and to serve willingly, do what is right, be fair and excellent in work. His character impacted my whole life and career. Every moment matters; life is precious and something to protect. The patient and their care teams depend upon accurate, safe and high-quality clinical laboratory tests result to achieve positive patient outcomes. Methods/Case Report Clinical Practice Results (if a Case Study enter NA) We can do better. Everybody can be surveyors with greater understanding of pathophysiologic processes in disease, extensive experience working in laboratories and in-depth knowledge about complaince, quality, mistake-proofing care, patient-focused and laboratory management. Diagnostic testing would be the method to screen for disease, confirm disease, and monitor disease in hopes of secondary prevention - to identify latent disease to “catch it early.” The screening tests could be anything from newborn screening for inborn metabolism errors, adult screening tests (like mammograms, pap smears, and colonoscopies), to high-risk population screenings to detect HIV, RPR, and gonorrhea. The disease must have a high prevalence to justify the expense of therapy and should be detectable before symptoms arise. The test must not have many false positives but extremely high sensitivity. The results of these tests could lead to the three different methods of prevention. Primary prevention would reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or stroke. Secondary prevention would detect the disease early to prevent progression of the disease. Tertiary prevention would reduce disabilty and promotion of rehabilitation from the disease like strokes or rehab programs. Conclusion In conclusion, this information provides clinicians with a laboratory test menu guidelines to improve clinical practice. We can all learn well to focus on what really matters. Together, we can make healthcare better, more patient-centered, less costly, and safer.