Determination of Pre-analytical Errors in Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory in Dhiraj General Hospital, Piparia

Introduction: Pre-analytical errors are the most common cause of errors in laboratory. It starts with the doctor ordering the test and ends with the sample being ready for analysis. Up to 70% of mistakes made during the entire diagnostic process are preanalytical.

Objectives: 1. To assess pre-analytical errors during the pre-analytical test process; 2. To Identify possible corrective actions to take to prevent such errors.

Materials and Methods: A 2-month prospective study was conducted in the clinical biochemistry lab of the central laboratory at the Dhiraj general hospital in Piparia from January 2022 to February 2022. Preanalytical errors of every kind were recorded. Throughout this time, a total of 15189 specimens were received. 569 of which had pre-analytical errors in their sorting.

Results: They were grouped into the following categories: Improper test request forms (n-91), Improper labelling (n-118), Insufficient sample (n-121), invalid samples (n-127), sample mix ups (n-18), Delay in sample transportation (n-32), Wrong timing for Collection (n-37), sample not received (SNR) (n-17), Sample from IV running area (n-08).

Conclusion: The overall rejection rate discovered is 3.75%. In clinical laboratories, hemolysis was the most frequent cause for sample rejection. Pre-analytical errors are not inevitable and can be reduced by properly training the staff and thoroughly evaluating competency through regular theory and practical evaluations at frequent intervals.