By Patty J. Eschliman, MHA, MLS(ASCP), DLM, CPC and Dan Scungio, MT (ASCP), SLS, CQA (ASQ)
This article explores a comprehensive, systems-based approach to preventing laboratory errors, inspired by the landmark report from the Institute of Medicine, To Err Is Human. The authors examine the Swiss Cheese model and James T. Reason’s Generic Error Modeling System (GEMS) to explain how active and latent failures contribute to adverse events. Emphasizing human performance, staffing challenges, and leadership accountability, the article highlights the importance of risk assessments, safety barriers, and a Just Culture framework. Readers will gain practical strategies to strengthen reporting systems, build trust, and foster a proactive laboratory safety culture that prioritizes continuous improvement over blame.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this article, the reader will be able to:
- Describe the Swiss Cheese model and the factors involved in errors.
- Discuss human performance and safety using the GEMS model and describe common errors in the modes of this model.
- Differentiate the key principles of Just Culture as it pertains to laboratory safety.
- List and describe the factors involved in gaining trust in the reporting of safety issues.
Patty J. Eschliman, MHA, MLS(ASasCP), DLM, CPC is a Certified Professional Coach who specializes in laboratory leadership growth and professional support. As President and CEO of The Lab Leader Coach, Patty coaches many lab professionals in all roles in the areas of building leadership skills, preventing burnout, improving communication, building cohesive teams, and how to be a positive influencer. She has 39 years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, the last 29 spent in leadership.
Dan Scungio, MT (ASasCP), SLS, CQA (ASasQ)has more than 25 years of experience as a certified medical tech. He was a lab manager for 10 years before becoming the laboratory safety officer for Sentara Healthcare, a system of 12 hospitals and more than 20 labs and draw sites in Virginia and North Caroline. As “Dan the Lab Safety Man,” he provides consulting, education, and training in the U.S. and Canada.
Course Includes
- 1 Lesson
- 1 Test
- Course Certificate
MLO and Northern Illinois University (NIU), DeKalb, IL, are co-sponsors in offering continuing education units (CEUs) for this issue’s CE article. CEUs or contact hours are granted by the College of Health and Human Sciences at Northern Illinois University, which has been approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® program. Continuing education credits awarded for successful completion of this test are acceptable for the ASCP Board of Registry Continuing Competence Recognition Program. Readers who pass the test successfully (scoring 70% or higher) will receive a certificate for 1 contact hour of P.A.C.E.® credit. The fee for this continuing education test is $20. This test was prepared by Amanda Voelker, MPH, MT(ASCP), MLS, Clinical Education Coordinator, School of Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL.
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Passing scores of 70 percent or higher are eligible for 1 contact hour of P.A.C.E. credit. This test is no longer valid for CEUs after April 2026.
NIU is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E. ® Program.