False positive serologic tests after administration of intravenous gamma globulin: case report and institutional quality management resolution

J.B. Stricker; B.A. Browne; W. Koss

doi:10.1108/14664100110399023

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British Journal of Clinical Governance

ISSN: 1466-4100
Currently published as: Clinical Governance: An International Journal
Incorporates: Clinical Performance and Quality Healthcare

Online from: 1996

Subject Area: Health Care Management/Healthcare

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False positive serologic tests after administration of intravenous gamma globulin: case report and institutional quality management resolution

Document Information:
Title:	False positive serologic tests after administration of intravenous gamma globulin: case report and institutional quality management resolution
Author(s):	J.B. Stricker, (J.B. Stricker is in the Department of Pathology at the Scott & White Clinic and Memorial Hospital, Temple, Texas, USA.), B.A. Browne, (B.A. Browne is in the Department of Medicine at the Scott & White Clinic and Memorial Hospital, Temple, Texas, USA.), W. Koss, (W. Koss is in the Department of Pathology at the Scott & White Clinic and Memorial Hospital, Temple, Texas, USA.)
Citation:	J.B. Stricker, B.A. Browne, W. Koss, (2001) "False positive serologic tests after administration of intravenous gamma globulin: case report and institutional quality management resolution", British Journal of Clinical Governance, Vol. 6 Iss: 2, pp.119 - 121
Keywords:	Hospitals, Quality management, Tests
Article type:	Case study
DOI:	10.1108/14664100110399023 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	MCB UP Ltd
Abstract:	A quality management program was designed to eliminate false positive serological testing after administration of intravenous gamma globulin (IVIgG). The intervention and follow-up chart review was performed in a tertiary care teaching hospital. After the index false positive test was reported, a multidisciplinary team sent memos to all affiliated physicians and devised a warning label to use in the patient charts after IVIgG administration. After the intervention, follow-up of 28 patients who received a total of 162 doses of IVIgG revealed that five had at least one serologic test ordered which might have produced a false positive. However, chart review suggested that these serologic results did not influence patient treatment. Serological testing after IVIgG administration can generate erroneous results that can lead to costly delays in diagnosis and treatment. Process control actions can proactively foster proper laboratory ordering practices and interpretation.