Comparison of knowledge, attitude and practices in routine blood and urine collection among final year laboratory technician students, nursing students and house surgeons

Abstract

Background: Laboratory services are the backbone of the modern health care sector. In spite of rapid advances in laboratory science, it is still susceptible to various manual and systemic errors. Pre-analytical phase includes specimen collection, storage, separation and transport. Errors in this phase are majorly due to human mistakes and the majority of these errors are preventable. Laboratory technicians and nursing staff from in-patient care are most commonly and directly involved in sample collection. There are many studies done using them as study population. However, the role of physician in sample collection techniques is often ignored. Ideally a doctor should also be aware of the sample collection techniques and anticipate possible lab errors due to pre-analytical error.Methods: A quantitative cross sectional comparative study with 60 participants comprising 20 each from house surgeons, final year lab technicians and nursing students in a tertiary care hospital. A pre-tested, self-administered and validated questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitude and practices in routine blood and urine collection with total 27 questions. Statistical analysis: ANOVA, student’s t- test and qualitative analysis was done.Results: In the area of sample collection techniques house surgeons lacked the required knowledge compared to nursing and lab technician students and it was also reflected in sample collection practices.Conclusions: Based on the study, we strongly opine to train MBBS students in routine blood collection techniques and sensitize them to pre analytical errors which will help in reducing lab reporting errors.