TOP 10 ETHICAL RULES IN CLINICAL LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICS. To identify ethical problems related to laboratory diagnostics, a systematic review of relevant studies published in electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, and Cochrane Library from 1975 to 2020, was conducted.
- The organization and selection of tests should generally be independent of the patient’s economic and social status and in accordance with the symptoms of the disease. The laboratory should also avoid unnecessarily referring the patient back to the doctor.
- Every clinical laboratory is required to have sufficient scientific or clinical information about infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.
- Relationships and behavior between staff/doctor and patient should be such as to exclude or minimize physical and mental harm to the patient.
- The laboratory must clearly explain to patients/treating physicians the necessity of testing and the requirements for biomaterial collection before testing begins. This allows the patient/treating physician to freely decide on testing, and all procedures will be performed with the client’s informed consent.
- Test results must be clearly and accurately recorded on the examination form.
- The laboratory must ensure that test results are completely confidential. Results, even after death, must be stored properly and protected from loss and any unauthorized use. Information must be archived in such a way that it is accessible only to qualified persons. When an authorized person requests access to test results, the laboratory must first confirm the identity of the requesting person. Children and individuals with intellectual disabilities have the same right of access as capable adults, although this right may be expressed through a parent or authorized representative. However, parents do not always have the right to access their children’s medical information, and different countries have different laws and customs in this regard.
- Laboratories should hire staff who are trained and demonstrate professional ethics, a positive attitude towards patients, diligence in work, and adherence to safety protocols.
- Laboratory staff must prioritize and respect the patient’s beliefs and culture.
- Laboratory tests must be conducted in accordance with pre-approved procedures and only by trained personnel. Furthermore, there must be a supervisory structure to monitor staff performance.
- Incorrect labeling and handling of samples during the pre-analytical phase can lead to negative consequences, including misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, treatment delays, and unnecessary medical interventions. Patient safety heavily depends on standard ways of handling biological samples. Given the importance of this stage, precise control measures are necessary to avoid unintentional errors.
Source: Najjari M. et al. A Review of Ethical Issues Related to Laboratory-Based Diagnostics //Medical Laboratory Journal. – 2022. – Т. 16. – №. 2. – С. 1-6.
