UPGRADING ENDOCRINE TEST REQUISITION FORMS TO IMPROVE DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY AND REDUCE PRE-ANALYTICAL ERRORS: A REVIEW

Abstract

Endocrine investigations heavily depend on accurate pre-analytical practices, and even minor faults in communication between clinicians and laboratories can lead to mystifying or ambiguous hormone results. In many healthcare settings, the standard requisition form is not sufficiently detailed so that they fail to identify important clinical information like specific symptoms, current medications, menstrual status, timing, or specific patient preparation requirements. Each of these factors are required for ensuring accurate and reliable interpretation of the hormonal tests. This review evaluates the limitations seen in commonly used requisition forms and suggests remedial measures that help to minimise faults and improve diagnostic accuracy. Strengthening and formalizing basic but this vital document has the capability to significantly enhance the overall quality of endocrine reporting and thereby ensuring improved patient care and more accurate clinical decision-making.1,2