COLA Accreditation criterion #285
The intent of this criterion is to focus attention on the most serious consequences and outcomes that may occur as a result of laboratory activities.
The laboratory must address incidents that occur as a
result of:
- non-compliance with expected laboratory
policies and procedures resulting in a significant
negative impact on patient care or the safety of
patients or staff; and - errors, accidents, or unexpected events that
caused, or have the potential to cause, death or
serious injury to patients or staff.
The laboratory must have written polices and procedures
that describe the actions to be taken in response to an incident. These policies and procedures must be followed whenever an incident occurs.
COLA LabFacts 71 - Incident Management: Developing a Plan provides an example Incident Management Investigation Report Form.