Evaluation of request forms submitted to Haematology Laboratory in a Rural Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the level of completeness of information on laboratory request forms at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua. Method: 4,500 laboratory request forms sent to the haematology department of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, within 7 months period were analyzed for specific parameters. The information provided on each request form was recorded in a spread- sheet and analyzed. Results: Information mostly omitted were patients’ age (58.02%), physician’s name and signature 67.80% each of the request forms sampled. Complete documentation was observed in patients’ names and investigation requested. Accurate recording of ward/clinic of patients was observed on 90.23% of the forms analyzed with hospital number, clinical details and consultant name appearing on 79.45%, 79.01% and 93.52% respectively. The date was observed in about 93.74% of the request forms audited and 80.66% showed eligible handwriting. Conclusion: This study showed that the pattern of completing request forms was poor. Vital information needed on the forms was missing. Inadequate information on laboratory request forms can lead to misinterpretation of laboratory results which inturn lead to misdiagnosis of patient’s disease condition. Emphasis on the importance of adequate and completeness of data on laboratory request test form is strongly supported and periodic orientation should be given to the physician especially the newly inducted doctors by the laboratory personnel.