The Impact of COVID-19 Containment Actions on Extra-Analytical Phases of the Clinical Laboratory: A Case Report

• Published in: Laboratory medicine Vol. 52; no. 6; pp. 619 - 625
• Main Authors: Mahto, Mala, Kumar, Mukunda, Banerjee, Ayan, Kumar, Sushil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 01.11.2021
• Subjects: Case reports; Case Study; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Epidemics; Information management; Information systems; Laboratories; Management information systems; Medical laboratories; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; extra-analytical phase; hospital information management system; laboratory errors; laboratory information system
• ISSN: 0007-5027; 1943-7730
• DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmab036

Abstract Laboratory information systems need to adapt to new demands created by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has set up new normals like containment measures and social distancing. Some of these have negatively impacted the pre- and postanalytical phases of laboratory testing. Here, we present an intriguing finding related to the generation of the accession number/specimen number on the investigation module of a hospital management information system and its impact on the dissemination of reports resulting in the wrong release of reports on a female patient amidst the background of COVID-19 containment measures. We analyze the situation that led to this false reporting and the importance of the proper customization of information software in laboratories along with a robust postanalytical framework of laboratory work culture to avert such untoward incidents. This introspection has made us realize that COVID-19 has been a scientific, medical, and social challenge. We need to redefine our priorities in the days to come because SARS-CoV-2 is here to stay.