Abstract :
Introduction: Quality lab reports require high degree of precision and accuracy. This study was undertaken
to study pre-analytical errors as a quality measure in Central Clinical Laboratories of rural Tertiary Care
Hospital.
Materials and Methods: This study was a non-participatory observational study for a period of two
months from 6/7/2019 to 6/9/2019 conducted at HIMS, UP, India. After obtaining clearance from
Institutional Human Ethical committee, study was undertaken in Central Clinical Laboratory(CCL). The
blood samples of OPD and IPD were included. Checklist for pre-analytical errors was followed.
Results: Total 13604 blood samples were received in CCL in study periodand pre-analytical error was
found to be 398 (2.93%). The commonest error was inadequate (underfilled/Overfilled) samples(1.15%),
second commonest was Clotted sample (0.99%), Hemolyzed samples were 0.26%, Lipemic samples were
0.15%, and remaining were diluted sample, incorrect vaccutainer and sample spillage each accounted for
0.08%, followed by test ID form missing (0.06%) and specimen ID and order form mismatch (0.02%).
There was a statistical difference between pre-analytical errors in IPD(3.68%) and OPD(0.87%) samples
with p value less than
Conclusion: Pre-analytical errors are avoidable and could be manage by preventive and corrective
measures and proper education and skill enhancing training to paramedical staff and efficient monitoring
by Lab managers.
Keyword :
Blood samples, Central clinical laboratory, Pre-analytical errors.