engleski

The prevalence of preanalytical errors in Croatian ISO 15189 accredited laboratory

Preanalytical phase is the most common source of laboratory errors. The aim of this descriptive study was to analyze the prevalence and type of preanalytical errors, in relation to the site of sample collection (inpatient vs. outpatient) and to the type of laboratory unit (haematology and coagulation vs. biochemistry). As to the biochemistry unit, the data were also analyzed relative to the type of the analysis (stat vs. routine). We retrospectively analyzed the sample and test request form error rate in the 1-year period from January-December 2008. Frequency of the sample errors differed significantly between emergency and routine biochemistry unit (0.69% vs. 2.14% ; p<0.0001) and between inpatients and outpatients (1.12% vs. 1.36% ; p=0.0006). Hemolysis was the most frequent sample error and it accounted for 65% of all unsuitable specimens in emergency biochemistry unit. Total sample error rate did not differ between hematology and coagulation vs. biochemistry unit. The frequency of the test request form errors differed significantly relative to the sample collection site (p<0.0001), laboratory unit (p<0.0001) and type of the analysis (p<0.0001). Errors of the test request form were the least frequent in outpatient unit (2.98%) and most frequent in routine biochemistry unit (65.94%). Sample and test request form errors in our laboratory are occurring with the frequency comparable to that already reported by others. A continuous educational action is needed for all stakeholders involved in laboratory testing, to improve the quality of the pre-analytical phase of the total testing process.

hemolysis; preanalytical errors; quality; request form; sample

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