Role of training activities for the reduction of pre-analytical errors in laboratory samples from primary care.

Author(s): Romero A, Cobos A, Gómez J, Muñoz M

Publication: Clin Chim Acta, 2012, Vol. 413, Page 166-9

PubMed ID: 21964461 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of education in phlebotomy technique for nursing staff on the incidence of hemolysis, coagulation, incorrect specimen volume, or lipemic or icteric serum or plasma that precluded analysis.

   Summary of Findings:

   After an educational intervention for nurses consisting of a one-hour session covering proper techniques for blood collection, peculiarities, causes of analytical interference, and specimen delivery from primary care facilities to the hospital laboratory, the percentage of hemolyzed specimens received by the laboratory significantly increased from 1.97% to 3.90% (p<0.001). At the same time, the percentage of coagulated specimens received by the laboratory decreased from 0.54% to 0.25% (p<0.001). The percentage of specimens received with incorrect specimen volume did not significantly change after the training. The percentage of specimens with other pre-analytical errors such as lipemic or icteric serum or plasma increased from 0.30% to 0.42% (p<0.001) after training.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Blood
   • Bodily Fluid - Serum
   • Bodily Fluid - Plasma

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Not specified

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Cell count/volume	Macroscopic observation
   Cell count/volume	Hematology/ auto analyzer

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Method of fluid acquisition	Staff trained/experienced in phlebotomy Staff untrained/inexperienced in phlebotomy

   View more