ObjectiveTo use failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) to check and improve the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleic acid detection, and explore the application effect of FMEA in the emergency inspection items.MethodsFMEA was used to sort out the whole process of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleic acid detection from January 30 to February 21, 2020. By establishing the theme, setting up a team, analyzing the failure mode and potential influencing factors. Then calculate the risk priority number (RPN), formulate preventive measures and implement continuous improvement according to the analysis results.ResultsA total of 2 138 cases were included. After improvement, the number of potential failure modes has been reduced by 2 (17 vs.19); the value of total RPN decreased (3 527.49 vs. 1 858.28). There was significant difference in average RPN before and after improvement [(185.66±74.34) vs. (97.80±37.97); t=6.128, P<0.001].ConclusionsIn the early stage of emergency inspection items, using FMEA can systematically check the risk factors in the process, develop improvement measures. It also can effectively reduce the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleic acid detection in hospital.