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A study of preanalytical errors in a hospital based clinical biochemistry laboratory and recommendation of required corrective measures

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Original Article

Author Details : Hasit Dalpatbhai Lad, Neeta Maheshchandra Rana, Vibhuti Sundarbhai Chaudhari, DVSS Ramavataram

Volume : 3, Issue : 4, Year : 2016

Article Page : 380-386

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Abstract

Background & Objective: The errors associated with the total testing process in laboratory, affecting clinical decision making, may occur at the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phase. This study is aimed at finding out the types and frequencies of errors recorded and recommending the corrective measures in pre analytical phase, which accounts for preventable errors significantly.
Materials & Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of errors observed and recorded over 3 months period in clinical biochemistry laboratory at SMIMER hospital, Surat. Data analysis was done on an average of 12680 samples collected and tested. Samples included blood, urine and other fluids. Pre-analytical errors were identified and recorded subsequent to visual inspection of the samples and corresponding request forms by laboratory staff.
Results: Pre-analytical errors were classified as A) inappropriate form (28.24%), B) inappropriate sample (3.52%), C) inappropriate transport (22.16%) and D) inappropriate centrifugation (7.29%). For category A, high error rate for date and time of sample collection (99.97%), provisional diagnosis (99.92%) and physician’s detail (100%) were observed. For category B, error rate for insufficient sample volume was 26.38%. For category C, error rate for date and time of sample receipt was 100%. Pre-analytical error rate was highest for samples received from outpatient department (18.37%) and for urine sample (18.61%) comparatively.
Conclusion: Pre-examination errors were high at this study location. Measures aimed at reducing the same and exposure to accreditation are recommended for improved laboratory quality output.

Keywords: Errors in Laboratory Medicine; Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory; Pre-analytical phase; Corrective measures

How to cite : Lad H D, Rana N M, Chaudhari V S, Ramavataram D, A study of preanalytical errors in a hospital based clinical biochemistry laboratory and recommendation of required corrective measures. Int J Clin Biochem Res 2016;3(4):380-386

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