Quality improvement in laboratory medicine: extra-analytical issues.

This article addresses sources of error in the pre- and postanalytic phases of the testing cycle, using the collection of blood specimens as a paradigm for quality improvement in these phases of testing. The article focuses on appropriateness of the test request, patient and sample identification, criteria for acceptance and rejection of specimens, and the communication and interpretation of results

[DRG and urinary tract infections in Paediatrics]

The aim of this study was the evaluation of admissions in 1995 in the two public hospitals of Verona (Azienda Ospedaliera di Verona) ascribed to the DRG 322 (urinary tract infections from birth to 17 years). Seventy-six patients with actual diagnosis of urinary tract infection were evaluated. The coefficient of variation of hospitalization for the DRG 322 was 52%, attesting a good grade of internal homogeneity. A more detailed subdivision of the DRG 322 on the basis of age is required in pediatric patients