Analysis of types of pre-analytical errors in central clinical biochemistry laboratory at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Preanalytical errors have been shown to contribute a major part of errors in laboratory processes and contribute to a number of patient safety risks.

Previous studies have shown that there is a wide, repertoire and collection methods for preanalytical quality indicators. Accreditation against ISO 15189:2012 requires that laboratory Quality Management Systems consider the impact of preanalytical processes in areas such as the identification and control of non-conformances, continual improvement, internal audit and quality indicators.

OBJECTIVES : To identify different preanalytical errors and analyse these errors

MATERIALS AND METHODS : This cross sectional study was conducted in CCL of SKNMCGH, Pune . All samples coming to Biochemistry section were included in the study, while the samples received in other sections were excluded from the study.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS : The sum of all errors was done. Their relative frequencies when compared with the total samples  were also obtained and presented as percent. The statistical significance level in this study was at P value equal to or less than 0.05.

RESULTS : Of all the samples collected, hemolysis, improper identification of the patient, insufficient sample were most ommonly found preanalytical errors.

CONCLUSION : Identification and corrective action are essential as far as preanalytical errors are concerned.