postanalytical

Postanalytical refers to the phase of laboratory testing that follows the analytical measurement of a specimen. It encompasses the validation and release of results, interpretation where provided, and the communication of findings to clinicians, patients (as appropriate), and electronic health records. It also includes data management, result archiving, and the secure disposal of materials according to policy.

Key activities include result verification, generation of final reports, addition of interpretive comments or guidance, and the notification of critical values. Results are transferred via laboratory information systems and integrated into electronic health records, with standard units, reference ranges, and coded identifiers to support data exchange. The postanalytical phase may also involve decision-support tools, reflex testing decisions, and documentation of follow-up actions.

Quality and safety considerations focus on timely and accurate reporting, appropriate dissemination to the correct recipient, and preservation of data integrity. Common risks include reporting delays, transcription or data-transfer errors, miscommunication of results, and failures to alert clinicians to critical findings. Organizations monitor metrics such as turnaround time, report completeness, and error rates to improve performance.

Standardization efforts use coding systems and messaging standards (for example, LOINC for test identifiers, SNOMED for findings, HL7 interfaces) to enable interoperability among laboratories and health information systems. The concept of postanalytical work is commonly discussed alongside preanalytical and analytical phases as part of laboratory quality management and patient safety.