Managing liability risk in the office laboratory.

New technology has created new responsibilities and new risks for office practitioners who develop and use an office laboratory. Mistakes are bound to occur, but a system organized along the lines suggested is a workable way to minimize the number of mistakes and lessen the consequences of any mistakes that do occur. If a significant problem occurs and these guidelines have been ignored, it is likely they will be used as a framework for inquiry. The benefit to the physician and patient far outweighs the risk of using the new technology and procedures. Any risk is manageable because the physician has the opportunity to control the technology selected, the procedures and protocols used, and the persons involved in the testing process.