Managing the preanalytical phase with FMECA

“

Since up to 70% of errors in laboratory testing occur in the preanalytical phase, to improve patient safetyit is necessary to carefully manage the related risk, as required by accreditation: the assessment discloses criticalities and helps in decisions. We aim to provide methodological elements for an effective management, by objectively measuring the risk connected to the phases handled by man compared to those automated. We applied the proactive methodology FMECA (Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis). Although automation has a fundamental role, each organization is different about workloads and competencies, so the most suitable management must be tailor-made. Our methodology represents a useful tool to predict the risk related to scenarios with more or less automation and to choose the best balance according to the needs. The cyclic repetition of this analysis allows to measure the effectiveness of the action adopted.

”