Discrepancies in Laboratory Test Results and Their Impact on Patient Confidence in The Health System in Kirkuk, Iraq

The clinical laboratory diagnostic service is the backbone of all medical decisions, but at the health sector the results of laboratory tests for patients are becoming conflicted between various health care sectors in many regions including Kirkuk, Iraq.This diagnostic mismatch jeopardizes timely medical care, imposes a financial burden on twice on patients and significantly undermines public trust of the local health system. This study explores the causes of intra- and inter-laboratory differences, which span the diagnostic testing experience and can be broken down into pre-analytical (60-70% of errors), analytical (10-15%) and post-analytical (15-20%) phases. These inconsistencies undermine patients' trust in healthcare providers and institutions, leading them to view such issues as evidence of systemic healthcare failures. The study identifies and outlines targeted mitigation strategies through analysis of patient preparation, specimen collection and instrument calibration, and data transcription. Solving this health-care problem needs two strategies: First, laboratory staff must follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with great care, as well as strictly follow the sample rejection criteria, and apply Internal Quality Control (IQC). Second, structural governance of Directorate of Health is required: mandatory ISO 15189 accreditation, centralized External Quality Assessment (EQA) programs, unannounced audits and agreed upon provincial reference intervals are crucial to recon gain patient confidence and obtain diagnostic reliability.