Article Overview:

The total testing process has been divided into three phases: the pre-analytical or “pre-examination” phase, the analytical or “examination” phase, and the postanalytical or “post-examination” phase. The total testing process can be examined to identify preventable medical errors and implement changes for equity in care along with patient safety. This article discusses variability and medical errors in each stage.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the steps of the total testing process
• Identify possible medical errors within each phase of the total testing process
• Describe the financial impact of medical errors