Biochemistry laboratory errors and patient safety: Turkey data

Abstract Objectives Our aim in this study is to provide information about the rate of errors in the process of the biochemistry laboratories in the hospitals in Turkey with the “Indicators”. Methods The hospitals calculate their own data according to the indicator cards defined by the Ministry of Health of Turkey and enter into the system once in a year. In this study we examined the quality indicators related to the disruptions in the biochemistry laboratory of hospitals for the year of 2018. Results All indicators except “Non-timely reported result rate in biochemistry laboratory” are found to be significantly higher in university hospitals. This indicator is found to be significantly higher in private hospitals(p:0.030) “Lost sample rate in biochemistry laboratory” is found to be significantly higher in Eastern Anatolia Region (p:0.000) and “Non-timely reported result rate in biochemistry laboratory” is found to be significantly higher in Aegean Region (p:0.008). Conclusions The ratio of non-timely reported result rate is the most seen disruption in biochemistry laboratories. It may be due to lots of reasons; lack of biochemistry equipment, lack of staff, problems in transportation, etc. The management of hospitals and the staff should take measures and regulations about problems.