Any error in samples can have a negative impact on the patient, the medical team depending on sample analysis for decision making, and on the reputation of the facilities taking the samples and caring for the patient.
As we explore what are common pre-analytical errors, it’s not to cast blame at any of the players in the Total Testing Process (TTP), rather to make available to your team the solution to these common errors.
What does pre-analytical mean?
According to a UK Government Resource:
‘Pre-analytics comprises all the processes that occur before the laboratory analysis.’
Pre-analytics includes pre/sample collection, post/sample collection, transport, and arrival at the lab.
At all these points in the Total Testing Process (TTP), errors can occur, and with the right tools and systems in place, many can be avoided.
What percentage of lab errors are pre-analytical?
With so many phases in the Total Testing Process (TTP) before the sample is analysed, it’s hardly surprising that human error and system failures often lead to rejected or lost samples.
Wrong Blood in Tube (WBIT) errors alone can be as high as 20 per cent in emergency departments.
Clotting has been cited as the most frequent error in pre-analysis which can be avoided by correct and timely handling of sample.
What is the percentage of lab errors that are pre-analytical?
A recent study in the National Library of Medicine found 70 per cent of errors in lab results were a result of pre-analysis.
What are the common pre-analytical variables that affect test results?
Test results can be affected by many variables. What are common pre-analytical errors?
- Pre-Sample Collection: Prior to the sample being collected, errors can occur in patient identification which can result in the wrong samples being taken or the correct samples being placed in the wrong tubes. Similarly, incorrect labelling or illegible labelling can also occur at this stage.
- Post-Sample Collection: Pre-printed labels being used is a common error potentially resulting in mislabelled tubes and incorrect bleed times. In traditional systems, at this point, labs are often not aware that the sample has been taken and, if it does not arrive at the lab, will not be missed.
- Transport: Correct and timely handling and temperature control of certain samples is crucial for their viability at analysis. Unfortunately, at times samples are lost and don´t make it on to transport, or do not reach the correct person at the lab in a timely manner.
- Lab Arrival: When the sample arrives at the lab if it needs to be relabelled with the lab codes, that opens further touch points with potential for error. It also adds unnecessary time to the Total Testing Process (TTP) which could also result in loss of sample viability.
How does MSoft’s solution reduce common pre-analytical errors?
Sample360 is a digital sample management system that records who, what, where, and when a sample is taken, giving 100 per cent traceability throughout the Total Testing Process.
With digital processing at the bedside, labels are printed with current patient details, the time of bleed and person taking the sample, and are analyser ready meaning the sample does not need to be relabelled at the lab.
The system monitors the sample from pre-order to analysis and raises alerts if any of the factors that could affect viability of a sample at the lab are breached.
Contact MSoft eSolutions today to find out how Sample360 can reduce costly errors in your workflow.
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