• Aroofa Tasneem, Muhammad Zubair, Zoha Rasool, and Farrukh Zia Tareen.
• Aroofa Tasneem, MBBS, Resident MCPS. Clinical Pathology, Multan Institute of Kidney Diseases, Multan, Pakistan.
• Pak J Med Sci. 2024 Jan 1; 40 (2ICON Suppl): S70S74S70-S74.

Background & ObjectiveThe pre-analytical phase, encompassing all preparatory steps leading to the analytical process, represents a critical stage prone to laboratory errors. An assessment of the occurrence and categories of laboratory errors, specifically within the pre-analytical phase of laboratory procedures, can guide in taking timely actions for rectifying errors responsible for damage and loss of samples. This study aimed to assess the frequency and types of pre-analytical errors within a clinical laboratory at the Multan Institute of Kidney Diseases over two years.MethodsThis research took place at the Multan Institute of Kidney Diseases. Data was extracted from the hospital laboratory records of the period from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2022. After data compilation, a retrospective cross-sectional methodology was adopted to assess frequency and types of pre-analytical errors within a clinical laboratory. The records underwent a thorough examination to identify pre-analytical errors, which were classified according to their type and occurrence rate.ResultsAmong the 254810 specimens received during the data collection period, a total of 1,722 specimens (0.67% of all collected samples) were found unsuitable for further processing. Amongst the rejected specimens, 718 (41.6%) displayed indications of hemolysis, 388 (22.5%) exhibited clotting, 217 (12.6%) had an insufficient volume and the remaining specimens fell into other miscellaneous categories such as insufficient quantity, unlabeled samples etc.ConclusionThe overall percentage of sample rejections in the laboratory was 0.67%. This study provided valuable insights into various reasons, and causes that require improvements to enhance the efficiency and quality of laboratory processes.Copyright: © Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences.

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