Pre-analytical errors in Clinical Chemistry Laboratory of a Tertiary care Hospital

Figure 1. Frequency of occurrence of pre-analytical errors

Thepercentageoccurrenceofthepreanalyticalvariableswasalsodeterminedwhich

indicated that hemolysis was seen in 29.99% samples, clotted blood in 18.01% of

the samples. Collection of blood samples in wrong tube, wrong preservative and

obtaining wrong volume collectively accounted for faulty results in 31.02% of the

samples due to which they were rejected. Incorrect timing of collection of samples

was seen in 9% of the total samples. Mislabelling of the samples by the laboratory

personnel was seen as a cause of rejection of 7.06% of the samples. 4.92% lipemic

(milky) samples were rejected being a interfering factor in analysis (Figure 2).

Overall prevalence of pre analytical errors in our laboratory was found

to be 2.32%

By far the most prevalent pre analytical variable seen responsible for

sample rejection was found to be hemolysis seen in 29.99% of samples.

Closely followed by the addition of clotted blood as the second most

common factor responsible for sample rejection was seen in 18.01% of

the samples.

International Journal of Bioinformatics and Biological Sciences : v.2 n.3&4. Dec. 2014

131