Helping You Identify Quality Laboratory Services
Selecting quality health care services for yourself, a relative or friend requires special thought and attention. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has prepared this information to assist you in making your selection. Knowing what to look for and what to ask will help you choose a laboratory that provides quality care and best meets your needs.
Although you may not always have the opportunity to choose the laboratory where your tests are processed, you can obtain some important information about the laboratory. By doing so, you'll have confidence that your tests will be performed properly.
Begin by asking your physician why he/she selected the laboratory(ies) and the quality improvement processes the laboratory has in place.
Questions to ask your doctor about a laboratory
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About the Laboratory |
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YES
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NO
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Do you know the name and location of the laboratory where your tests are being processed? |
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YES
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NO
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Does the doctor verify the accuracy of the tests? What criteria does the doctor use to choose the laboratory? |
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YES
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NO
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Does the laboratory notify the doctor if a specimen is incorrectly collected? What is the follow-up procedure? |
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YES
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NO
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Has the doctor ever received an incorrect result from the laboratory? How did the doctor handle the situation? |
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YES
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NO
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Can the doctor explain how complaints about inaccurate test results are handled? |
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About Sample Collection |
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YES
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NO
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Does the laboratory provide the doctor with guidelines outlining the proper collection procedures for specimens? Is this information included in the office staff's orientation and training materials? Is it periodically updated? |
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YES
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NO
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Is the specimen labeled with your full name at the time it is collected? If it's a Pap smear, are the slides sealed at the time they are collected to prevent mislabeling or contamination? |
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YES
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NO
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Were you informed about how to prepare for the lab test (e.g., no eating, drinking)? |
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YES
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NO
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If you are collecting the specimen yourself, did you receive adequate instructions for appropriate colllection? |
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About the Test Results |
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YES
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NO
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Were you told how soon you can expect to learn the test results? |
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YES
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NO
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Were you told how you will be informed of test results? Will there be a personal call if there was an abnormal test result? |
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YES
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NO
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Is there a number you can call if you have questions? |
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About Accreditation |
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YES
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NO
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Is the laboratory accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations? Joint Commission accreditation means the organization voluntarily sought accreditation and met national health and safety standards. |
To find out if the laboratory you are considering is accredited by the Joint Commission, see Quality Check®. Quality Check, a comprehensive guide to all Joint Commission accredited health care organizations, includes an organization's name, address, telephone number, accreditation decision and accreditation date as well as Web site and e-mail links, if available.
Quality Check also provides performance reports that include information on the organization's overall performance level and how it compares to other organizations nationally in specific performance areas. If a report is not available on Quality Check or you would like a printed copy, please call the Customer Service Center, (630) 792-5800.
For More Information
To learn more about the Joint Commission:
Customer Service Center, (630) 792-5800
To report information about accredited organizations:
Office of Quality Monitoring, (800) 994-6610 or complaint@jcaho.org.