Finish before the start: Analyzing preanalytical sample errors in a tertiary care hematology laboratory

Preanalytical errors in laboratory testing can lead to diagnostic inaccuracies. Prior research has shown these errors often occur before sample processing begins. It was already known that factors like sample collection and labeling contribute to diagnostic issues. No prior work had resolved the specific proportions of these errors in hematology settings. This gap motivated a study to quantify preanalytical errors in a tertiary care hematology lab. The study aimed to assess error types and frequencies across different patient groups and test types. No prior work had resolved how these errors vary between outpatient and inpatient settings. This study sought to clarify these patterns to improve laboratory practices.

The study aimed to evaluate preanalytical errors in a hematology diagnostic center. Researchers wanted to understand the types and frequencies of these errors. They also sought to compare error rates across different groups. The study focused on outpatient versus inpatient samples. It also examined differences between CBC and coagulation tests. The goal was to identify patterns that could inform quality improvements. No prior work had resolved how these errors differ between routine and emergency labs. This study aimed to provide actionable data for laboratory staff.

The study used a prospective design over nine months in a clinical hematology lab. Researchers categorized preanalytical errors into specific types. These included insufficient sample quantity and clotted samples. They also tracked clerical errors like labeling mistakes. Data were collected from both outpatient and inpatient groups. The study compared error rates for CBC and coagulation tests. Statistical analysis used a two-tailed z-test to assess significance. Error proportions were calculated for each category and group.

A total of 189,104 samples were analyzed during the study period. Preanalytical errors occurred in 4052 samples, or 2.14% of total. Insufficient sample quantity was the most common error at 1.11%. Clotted samples followed at 0.88% of total samples. No significant difference was found between outpatient and inpatient groups. Error rates were higher in routine versus emergency samples. Coagulation samples had more errors than CBC samples. These findings suggest variations in sample handling practices.

The study found preanalytical errors occurred in 2.14% of hematology samples. Insufficient sample quantity was the most frequent issue. No significant difference was found between outpatient and inpatient data. Error rates were higher in routine versus emergency settings. Coagulation samples had more errors than CBC samples. These findings suggest areas for targeted quality improvements. The authors propose that better training could reduce clerical errors. They suggest monitoring practices in routine labs to address higher error rates.