Case Studies and Error-Rate Statistics

Misidentification errors are unfortunately not limited to occurring only in the preexamination phase. Slide misidentification (mislabeling) errors are by far the most frequent error in the histology laboratory, representing approximately 67% of all detected examination phase errors that occur. The misidentification errors that typically occur during the preexamination and examination phase of histology processing are greatly aided by appropriate automation, in particular barcode technology. The impact of barcoding on histology and mislabeling is well illustrated by a case study performed at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. In this study, Henry Ford Hospital was able to successfully reduce the incidence of slide mislabeling events by 85%, while simultaneously increasing slide throughput during microtomy by 125%. The results of this study are displayed in Table 3. This was achieved through the use of a combination of process re-design and barcode technology.²

Facilities, where automation and technology are used in combination with process improvement techniques, are showing impressive results that can be used to assist histology laboratories to achieve improved efficiency and patient safety goals. Standardization of processes alone has not been sufficient to achieve the consistency, efficiency, and accuracy demanded by current conditions, but it is a great starting point. Simply automating an outdated or faulty process will not provide the most benefit. The entire process must be examined, placing a focus on the elimination of wasteful and error-prone steps. Once a clear, efficient, and standardized process has been achieved, automation can then be added to enhance an already effective process. Barcoding technology in particular is very useful for reducing misidentification errors since it reduces opportunities for mislabeling that existed within the previously manual handling steps.