Preanalytic Error Tracking in a Laboratory Medicine Department: Results of a 1-Year Experience

Quality Assurance in the Preanalytical Phase

“…The indicators for sample not received (2.9%), hemolyzed sample (0.8%), and coagulated sample (0.55%) are also similar to the results reported by Lippi et al (Lippi et al, 2006b). Therefore, we can deduce that the quality specifications proposed by Alsina (Alsina et al, 2007) reflect current state of the art and support the recommended acceptability limits.…”

Pre Analytical Phase : The Seismic Zone of Clinical Laboratory Testing

“…Hemolysed samples occur when blood is forced through fine needle ,shaking the tubes vigorously and centrifuging the sample specimens before clotting. 12 Although the introduction of vacuum tubes along with the closed system of blood collection has made blood collection efficient and easy but the lack of training of staff engaged in phlebotomy is impediment for expediting sample collection and transport. Red top vacutainers should not be shaken after sample has been collected and vacutainers for plasma should be gently inverted a few times so that there is complete mixing of blood with anticoagulant.…”

Pre-analytical phase in clinical chemistry laboratory

“…8 Thus, a quality manual for preanalytical variables is needed for implementing measures to recognize and control preanalytical variables. This forms a critical component of laboratory quality, which cannot be compensated by analytical and quality control procedures.…”

“…7 Overall, an insufficient quantity and inappropriate quality of the specimen may account for over 60% of pre-analytical errors. 8 Other pre-analytical variables occur due to inadequate training and understanding of the blo od collectio n process by laborat ory personnel, 9 patient identificatio n and preparation errors, 10,11 defects in sample collection device, container, and procedure 9 and erroneo us sample handling, separation, transport and storage. 9 Some sources of errors cannot be rectified and can seriously affect the reliability of test results.…”