مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Sources of preanalytical errors and the role of training in error prevention

Abstract :

Objectives: We aimed to analyze the preanalytical errors and the role of training in the prevention of error in samples sent to the biochemistry and microbiology laboratories. Materials and methods: All samples accepted in the central laboratory during eight-month period were evaluated retrospectively. Distribution of rejected samples were classified according to preanalytical error categories (wrong sample, improper sample, incorrect barcode, insufficient volume, exceeded volume, clotted sample, hemolyzed/lipemic samples, contamination and other reasons) and study groups. The type and the frequency of errors in the laboratory study groups were shown as a percentage of total errors and the total number of samples. Contamination rates in blood and urine cultures and distribution of contamination rates in urine cultures according to gender and age were investigated. In addition, error rates before and after routine training about preanalytical processes were compared. Results: The frequency of preanalytical error was 0.77 %. The first three most common errors were; contamination (30.4 %), clotted sample (19.4 %) and insufficient volume (15.6 %). Contamination rates were higher in urine cultures (88.2 %) than those in blood cultures (11.2 %) and the most frequent error in urine cultures was observed in women and the patients under the age of 18. In addition, it was determined that the error rates significantly decreased after the training (p 0.05). Conclusions: Laboratory and phlebotomy staff should be educated continuously in order to reduce the error rate in the preanalytical phase of the laboratory testing process.