Phase pré-analytique en biochimie : processus de maîtrise de la qualité

Abstract

In clinical chemistry as for others specialities of medical laboratories, many non-disease factors may affect clinical laboratory test values. Laboratory tests must be achieved on samples collected from patients with standardized protocol. Correct sampling techniques should always be respected so that the laboratory is supplied with samples reflecting the in vivo conditions : some constituents are fragile and may undergo either quantitative or qualitative modifications between collection and analysis. The process occurring between prescription and analysis, i.e. preanalytical phase, deals with preparation of patient and materiel, phlebotomy and collection of a representative sample, conservation and transport. This pre analytical phase can be structured into two steps, the first one, out of the laboratory, is under the responsability of the pathologist and the phlebotomist, who must take care of all events until samples arrive into the laboratory. The second part, inside the lab, should now begin by a validation of the conformity of the sample to the attempt of the laboratory. It belongs to the laboratory to select the appropriate conservation technic. Management of quality of biological analyses implies to manage the entire process, including the knowledge and training of people in charge of it.