Analytical errors in pathology: A case study

The Australian Government continues to be unsupportive of independent registration of the scientists through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). They are satisfied with the controls of a Royal College of Pathologist, Australasia (RCPA), Registered Pathologist and National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation. In 2016 an investigation into one of the oldest private laboratories in South Australia was undertaken by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare to ascertain the mishandling of a significant complainant from patients and clinicians. An experienced review team made five recommendations to improve the laboratory's infrastructure. A major component of any professional registration is continuing education of staff and it is a requirement in both international and domestic standards. The review team made many references to the perceived lack of knowledge of the scientists in their report, but it does not form part of their recommendations. The Australian Government does not mandate independent registration of Healthcare scientists through AHPRA, which is an anomaly in the international community, and, as this report highlights, creates potential of risk to patients.