Effect of internal audit-guided intervention on quality indicators in the processing and reporting of complete hemogram

Objectives: The internationally accepted standard for clinical laboratories is an International Organization for Standardization 15189. In this study, we evaluated the effect of internal audit guided intervention on quality indicators in the processing and reporting of complete hemogram samples. Materials and Methods: We conducted the study in two phases and recruited 38,129 hemogram samples. We assessed five quality parameters and the results obtained (Phase I) were audited, appropriate interventions and amendments were done over the next 2 months. In the Phase II, the same quality parameters were analyzed and compared the results of Phases I and II. Statistical analysis: The continuous variables were compared using a paired “ t ”-test (Parametric variables). All statistical analyses were carried out at a 5% level of significance, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The sample rejection rate had substantially reduced by 54%. Internal quality control results showed significant improvement, and there was a substantial increase in critical value entries (nearly 3 times) in Phase II. However, the turn-around time was slightly increased in Phase II (173 min vs. 130 min). Overall, the internal audit guided intervention helped us in external quality assurance services by improving the z-score (standard score) for both accuracy and precision testing. Conclusions: This study improved our laboratory techniques, including quality control, and better documentation, and ensured the delivery of high-quality reports.