Quality indicators in the preanalytical phase of testing in a stat laboratory

Abstract

Objective: To quantify performance in the preanalytical phase in a stat laboratory using quality indicators, and compare our results with those in the literature to improve laboratory services. Methods: We counted the test request forms, samples, and the types of preanalytical errors that occured in a stat laboratory between January 1 and December 31, 2011. We then compared the quality-indicator scores with the quality specifications mentioned in the literature. Results: During the 1-year period, a total of 168,728 samples and 88655 requests forms were received in stat laboratory. The total number of preanalytical errors was 1457, accounting for 0.8% of the total number of samples received in a year. Of the total preanalytical errors, 46.4% were hemolysed samples (biochemistry), 43.2% were clotted samples (hematology), 6.4% were samples lost-not received in the laboratory, 2.9% samples showed an inadequate sample-anticoagulant ratio, 0.7% were requests with errors in patient identification, 0.3% were samples collected in blood collection tubes with inappropriate anticoagulant and 0.1% were requests with errors-missing test requests. Conclusion: The preanalytical performance of a stat laboratory in our setting is favorable and complies with international quality specifications.