Publication: Determination of errors that compromise the quality of laboratory service in a tertiary hospital
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2017-01-01
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Asian Journal of Medical Sciences
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Abstract
Background: Clinical Laboratory testing is a highly complex process that entails numerous
procedures. Although it has been known that laboratory testing services are safe, it is
increasingly becoming a common knowledge that they are not that safe. Studies have
indicated that there are a number of errors that occur due to laboratory testing processes.
These errors may not be realized easily during the testing process, but they make significant
impact on the results given. Aims and Objective: To determine the levels of pre-analytical,
analytical, and post analytical errors found in the analysis of Clinical chemistry Laboratory
specimen. Materials and Methods: A prospective and Descriptive study was carried out at
Clinical Chemistry a total of 346 request forms, specimens/samples and dispatched results
were scrutinized and errors documented as per the different variables in the different phases,
over a period of three months and the findings were analyzed. Results: Results of the study
showed that Preanalytical errors were most common with a frequency of 148(42.8%),
followed by analytical errors 114 (32.9%) and post analytical errors 84 (24.3%), respectively.
Conclusions: The study concludes that pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical errors
are errors that compromise the quality of laboratory service delivery, which impacts on
the patient management and diagnosis. Clinical laboratory errors can be minimized if due
diligence and professionalism is adhered in the laboratory