Common Lab Testing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Common Lab Testing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overview

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  • Source: Microbioz India

  • Date: 28 Dec,2024

It’s true that a lab is a place of serious testing and where much of the science relies on accuracy of the results obtained during these processes. But sometimes, a single small mistake regarding the protocol can risk the results and the test itself is done in vain. So, we can help to understand those simple yet critical mistakes and make sure they never happen.

Here are the most commonplace blunders and some advice on how to steer clear of them.

Mistake 1: Improper Sample Collection

Problem:

Due to improper sample collections, there are higher chances of the samples to be in an unmanageable state like contamination or degradation which renders them incapable of yield accurate results.

How To Avoid It:

  1. Use protocols that dictate how the sample should be handled.
  2. Make use of containers and nozzles that are free from any contaminants.
  3. Don’t miss out on writing down all the necessary details.
  4. Ensure that the stored samples are protected from harsh conditions when transferring them from one place to another.

Mistake 2: Inadequate Calibration and Maintenance of Equipment

Problem:

Certain tools and pieces of equipment require calibration or maintenance and without it the chances of obtaining distorted conclusions are huge.

How To Avoid It:

  1. Do not forget to calibrate the equipment regularly and make sure that it is in the right working condition.
  2. Regularly monitor how the equipment works and make notes.
  3. Preemptively inform the necessary personnel about potential risks that may lead to the failure of the outcome.

Mistake 3: Poor Documentation Practices

Problem:

When switching from one software to another, there might be a chance that the documents get deleted which results in discrepancies and miscalculations so, ensuring that the documents are in the proper format is crucial.

How To Avoid It:

  1. It is very important to wear gloves when dealing with the documents to avoid smudges on the prints.
  2. It is very crucial to practice proper information management systems to avoid data loss.
  3. An excellent tip is to ensure accuracy and do regular checks on the documents so that detail is never missed out.

Mistake 4: Cross-Contamination

Problem:

When the samples are already contaminated, these might affect the test results ranging from a clinical test to Molecular Biology tests.

How to Avoid It:

  1. Firstly, keep your work area clean and reserve areas for different activities.
  2. Secondly, gloves are to be changed and equipment is to be cleaned in between dependant samples.
  3. Finally, disposable tools would do whenever possible.

Mistake 5: Results Are Not Related To The Hypothesis With Which The Work Was Started.

Problem:

Mistakes are made at the stage of data analysis, which leads to incorrect inferences and decisions and any measures presented are not representative.

How to Avoid It:

  1. Training of the employees on data interpretation procedures is done in a good way.
  2. Software tools for validation and anomalous activities or results have to be employed.
  3. Consult with experts when the results are unexpected or when the clinical diagnosis is unclear.

Mistake 6: Failure To Maintain Quality Checks On Documented Procedures

Problem:

If various quality control processes are bypassed, the chances of the uncompleteness of the report would be enormous.

How to Avoid It:

  1. One strategy would be to incorporate a quality control sample into every test batch.
  2. One of them is the statistical approach where the performance over a period of time is studied.
  3. Any deviations must be considered and addressed at the earliest.

Mistake 7: Misunderstanding And Ignoring Regulatory Changes/Updates And Not Including Them As Part Of The Organizational Requirements

Problem:

If there is ignorance of complying with regulatory standards it might lead to facing penalties and bad reputation.

How to Avoid It:

  1. Register with the updates and changes in the regulations.
  2. Plus, the training of the staff members should also be heightened.
  3. And there are regular internal audits that need to be done to comply with regulations.

Conclusion

In order to avoid pitfalls such as those associated with proving laboratory documents, as indicated above, it is necessary to avoid planning their existence, precise adherence to the relevant regulations and documents of the laboratory, and permanent targeted training of personnel. Taking care of such best practice measures, laboratories can guarantee that their results are accurate, their requirements are met, and a sense of reliability and precision is cultivated.

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