In this section
February 2024
Collecting and analysing data consistently is necessary to improve performance and patient safety in clinical laboratories. Data on rejected samples due to various types of pre analytical errors is a crucial quality indicator.
One of the most common types of rejected samples in the Immunology laboratory is faecal samples sent for coeliac screening instead of the correct serum sample.
Coeliac disease is a condition that affects at least 1 in every 100 people in the UK. This may be underestimated because milder cases may go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed as other digestive conditions.
Coeliac disease antibodies include IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase (IgA TTG), IgG anti-tissue transglutaminase (IgG TTG) & IgA endomysial antibodies. These act as a screening test for coeliac disease in patients with suspected gluten sensitivity.
Rejected samples not only put patients at risk due to delayed diagnosis but the need for a repeat sample adds to the strain on all services involved.
For more information, please refer to our user guide information for Coeliac disease antibodies.
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