Frequency of pre-analytical errors in a tertiary hospital clinical laboratory, north-central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The generation of accurate and reliable laboratory results is the main objective of any clinical laboratory service. The total testing process is broadly divided into pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases. There are several errors, both human and technical that can affect the quality of laboratory results at any phase of the total testing process. At the pre-analytical phase, errors could occur during filling of request forms, sampling, transportation and storage of samples.

Objective: To determine the frequency of the various pre-analytical errors that can affect the quality of laboratory results in Bingham University Teaching Hospital Jos, North Central Nigeria.

Methods: We examined request forms, specimen collection, transportation and storage from both out- and in-patients over a period of three months. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Research and Ethics Committee of the hospital.

Results: A total of 11,109 out-patient and 4,178 in-patient forms and specimens were examined. The most common errors recorded from the specimens for out-patients and in-patients were inadequate labeling (50.9% and 44.6%, respectively) and lack of collection time (54.1% and 46.4%, respectively). Other errors were late submission (40.9%) and lack of patient preparation (65.1%).

Conclusion: Errors were recorded in all activities involved in the pre-analytical phase with the most frequent ones being inadequate labeling of specimens, poor filling of request forms and lack of patient preparation. There is need to have regular trainings and/or seminars with healthcare stake holders involved in the pre-analytical phase of laboratory testing process with a view to improving the quality of laboratory results.

Keywords: Reliable, Request Forms, Specimens, Transportation, Storage