Factors and preventions of pre–analytical errors in biochemistry laboratory related to healthcare

Vinit Mehrotra; Ashutosh Sharma

Volume : VII, Issue : VI, June - 2017

Factors and preventions of pre–analytical errors in biochemistry laboratory related to healthcare

Vinit Mehrotra, Ashutosh Sharma

Abstract :

Introduction: Pre–analytical laboratory errors (LE) are much more susceptible to worries and accidents which can significantly influence patient concern and make a key contribution to the overall risk of error in healthcare. Aim: The study was conducted for a period of six months in a Department of Biochemistry, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun specialized in medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, ophthalmology, orthopedic, neurology, cancer and psychiatry offering treatment for in– and out–door patients. In total randomly 10000 patients were screened who were only for Biochemistry investigations and tabulated for pre–analytical LE. The study was divided into two parts: (i) related to physiological factors and (ii) patient samples. Results: The percentages of pre–analytical LE in out–patients were more as compaired to in–patients in related to physiological factors. Errors in patients address were the most common pre–analytical LE followed by clinical informations. It was also observed that in out–patients the location was also an important pre–analytical LE. Transcription errors contributed to the preponderance of pre–analytical LE. In the patient samples most frequently detected pre–analytical LE were order of collection followed by urine not properly collected as per laboratory standards. Improper mixing with anticoagulant was also identified as an LE. Conclusions: The majorities of pre–analytical LEs are avoidable by providing clear instruction, regular education, and also regularly controlling all parts of the pre–analytical phase.