Abstract
The total testing process consists of five phases: pre-preanalytical (test selection), preanalytical, analytical, postanalytical and post-postanalytical (clinical work with laboratory test results). The major tools of postanalytical and post-postanalytical phases are: reference ranges, cut-off and action points, calculation of important indicators and graphic visualization, autovalidation, interpretative comment, reflexive and reflective testing, clinical examination of the patient with record in documentation, reporting of critical values and effective transmission of laboratory test results by laboratory information systems.
The European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine proposed quality indicators of postanalytical phase. The post-postanalytical phase currently has a great potential to be an important part of clinical biochemistry and other disciplines of laboratory medicine.