Pre-analytical Errors at the Chemical Pathology Laboratory of a Teaching Hospital
Journal Title: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research - Year 2017, Vol 11, Issue 8
Abstract
Introduction: The Chemical Pathology Laboratory at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) processes specimens received from inpatients, the outpatient department and other medical facilities in Jamaica. Specific rejection criteria are used to determine samples unsuitable for analysis. It has been noted that despite efforts to reduce the number of unacceptable samples received in the laboratory, the problem persists. Aim: The study seeks to provide empirical evidence of the inadequacies from which improvements can be formulated. Materials and Methods: Errors recorded in the rejection log in the Chemical Pathology laboratory at the University Hospital of the West Indies for the period were assessed. The types and frequency of errors were determined manually. The yearly rejection ratios over a four-year period were evaluated. Results: The most common causes for rejection were unlabelled samples (37%), incorrectly labelled specimens (23%), samples submitted in an inappropriate tube (14%) and incomplete or inaccurately completed requisition forms (14%). The rejection ratio for 2015-2016 was 2.1%. Conclusion: The laboratory must initiate programmes directed at improving the preanalytical process in order to ensure patient safety
Authors and Affiliations
Marlene A Tapper, James C Pethick, Lowell L Dilworth, Donovan A McGrowder
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP357979
- DOI 10.7860/JCDR/2017/30159.10378
- Views 80
- Downloads 0
Autonomic Dysfunction in Patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Sub-Acute Phase
ABSTRACT Introduction: Autonomic involvement is seen in two-thirds of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) patients. Aim: To evaluate the pattern and extent of autonomic dysfunction in GBS patients in sub-acute phase and its as...
Evaluation of Liver Biopsies using Histopathological Scoring System in Neonatal Hepatitis and Biliary Atresia: Correlation with Clinico-Radiological and Biochemical Parameters
ABSTRACT Introduction: Biliary Atresia (BA) and Neonatal Hepatitis (NH) are common causes of Neonatal Cholestasis (NC). There is a high degree of overlap between clinical and other investigational characteristics of BA...
Morphological and Morphometric Study of Coronary Sinus in North Indian Population
Introduction: Coronary sinus (CS) is the largest vein draining the blood from heart. It is a muscular tube of about 2 cm to 3 cm length and 1 cm in caliber. It has become a clinically important structure through its role...
The Effect of Saliva Contamination on Shear Bond Strength of Two Universal Bonding Agents-An in vitro Study
ABSTRACT Introduction: Universal bonding agents are prevalent in dentistry today. The effects of both salivary contamination and subsequent decontamination protocols on these adhesives have not been studied extensively....
A Study on Pulmonary Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis
ABSTRACT Introduction: In approximately 50%, are Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), there are extra articular manifestations. Pulmonary involvement ranges between 10%-67%. Interestingly, mortality in patients of RA is further in...