Responding to large-scale testing errors.

Extensive use of automation in the clinical laboratory creates the potential for systematic errors that affect a large number of patient results before the error is discovered. When a large-scale testing error is found, the approaches recommended for responding to individual medical mishaps are often inadequate. This report uses 2 case studies to illustrate some of the unique challenges facing laboratory managers confronted with a large-scale testing error.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of the pancreas. An analysis of its use in 52 patients.

An experience with fine needle aspiration cytology of the pancreas over a five-year period in 52 patients is described. It was a highly specific test (93%), with a 100% predictive value for a positive test, regardless of the method used to obtain the cytologic sample. On the other hand, the sensitivity was relatively low, especially for percutaneous biopsies (58%).