Pre Analytical Errors in the HIV Anti Retro Viral Therapy (ART) Laboratory of Teaching Referral Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Quality assured laboratory is an essential part of the medical decision making process. Recent evidences have shown that, up to 70% of laboratory errors arise from the pre-analytical phase, however, the magnitude and related factors are not yet extensively studied in Ethiopia. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and associated factor of pre analytical error in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) anti retro viral therapy (ART) laboratory of a teaching referral hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A cross sectional descriptive study design was used from May 1, 2018 to Jun 30, 2018 by using both quantitative and quantitative data collection approach. Data was entered, cleaned using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 21 for Microsoft Windows. Result Among the 427 specimens submitted for laboratory testing, 41(9.6%) were not accepted for requested laboratory diagnosis, because of pre analytical errors. The most frequent reasons were mislabeling followed by hemolyzed and clotted sample. 47.6% of the phlebotomist were did not take phlebotomy related professional development training and errors were higher in those service offered by non trained phlebotomist.. Abstract Background: Quality assured laboratory is an essential part of the medical decision making