Delta check system for detection and further management of laboratory errors. Second report. Computer program to identify laboratory errors.

A delta-check system has been introduced for routine work in our laboratory to detect laboratory errors in blood chemistry. All pairs of data that exceed allowable limits were displayed for each item. To easily understand the details, these data were displayed on a graph divided for each analyzer. Looking at this graph the responsible causes were inferred from the number or type of analyzers and from the number of items in which errors were detected. Following this first report, the algorithm involved in the last processes was programmed. When all data derived from analyzers were put into the personal computer, 1) the details of errors were shown separately for each analyzer and item, and 2) presumed causes to be identified finally from the results of confirmative tests were displayed graphically at the same time according to our program. By this system, most of the errors that may happen during the whole course of tests, from the time a laboratory test was ordered until it was interpreted, were detected more rapidly, thoroughly and objectively inside the laboratory before the data were reported to the clinical ward. This system is also regarded as an indispensable base for the development of an accurate interpretation of laboratory data.