KPI of the Day – Healthcare: % Laboratory test accuracy
Definition
Measures the percentage of laboratory tests that are accurate, without errors, from the number of total tests conducted in the laboratory.
Purpose
To reflect on the effectiveness of laboratory activities, in terms of generating accurate test results, by comparing the results from every test performed to known “control specimens”. It indicates the quality of the information provided by the test. The accuracy of the test method can also be evaluated by monitoring this KPI.
Recommendations
Test results have a considerable influence on a patient’s health, accuracy being the main attribute that defines the clinical performance of laboratory tests. Accurate test results empower healthcare providers to make the right decisions for their patients and are crucial for determining the resources that will be used during treatment, but also for estimating a patient’s length of stay.
Even if not clearly stated all the time, the effectiveness of laboratory activities has strong financial implications, as per their impact on healthcare costs. Some recommendations for enhancing laboratory performance include the following:
- Provision of and follow up on procedures
- Accurate monitoring of test results
- Sensitivity and specificity calculations
- Updated technological equipment
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Tags: Healthcare performance
