An audit of Preanalytical errors as a quality measure in central clinical laboratory of Rural Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

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. Keywords: Blood samples, Central clinical laboratory, Pre-analytical errors.