BACKGROUND: Accuracy and precision of Laboratory results is a top most priority in a clinical laboratory. Errors in Laboratory results could be due to pre-analytical, analytical and postanalytical variables. Here, we have discussed about pre-analytical variables during estimation of prothrombin time. METHODS: 15,335 PT (prothrombin time) samples received in the department of clinical biochemistry from June 2008 to May 2009 were evaluated for the prevalence of pre-analytical errors. The prothrombin time (PT) was analyzed on automated coagulometer-ACL 7000 with thromboplastin reagent supplied by Trinity Biotech, Ireland. RESULTS: Out of the 15,335 samples received in one year for analysis by the department, 464 samples showed the presence of pre-analytical variables and therefore, could not be assayed. Among the pre-analytical variables, inappropriate proportion between blood and anticoagulant was the most common error with a frequency of approximately 60%. Clotted samples and illegible handwriting accounted for another 15% each of the rejections respectively. Around 6% of the samples were hemolysed and another 2% were rejected due to lipemia. CONCLUSION: Appropriate knowledge of blood sample collection is a need of an hour to have accuracy in Laboratory results.
BACKGROUND: Accuracy and precision of Laboratory results is a top most priority in a clinical laboratory. Errors in Laboratory results could be due to pre-analytical, analytical and postanalytical variables. Here, we have discussed about pre-analytical variables during estimation of prothrombin time. METHODS: 15,335 PT (prothrombin time) samples received in the department of clinical biochemistry from June 2008 to May 2009 were evaluated for the prevalence of pre-analytical errors. The prothrombin time (PT) was analyzed on automated coagulometer-ACL 7000 with thromboplastin reagent supplied by Trinity Biotech, Ireland. RESULTS: Out of the 15,335 samples received in one year for analysis by the department, 464 samples showed the presence of pre-analytical variables and therefore, could not be assayed. Among the pre-analytical variables, inappropriate proportion between blood and anticoagulant was the most common error with a frequency of approximately 60%. Clotted samples and illegible handwriting accounted for another 15% each of the rejections respectively. Around 6% of the samples were hemolysed and another 2% were rejected due to lipemia. CONCLUSION: Appropriate knowledge of blood sample collection is a need of an hour to have accuracy in Laboratory results.
Authors: Jean Yves Le Reste; Benoit Chiron; Bernard Le Floch; Patrice Nabbe; Marie Barrais; Jacques Mansourati; Sébastien Cadier; Pierre Barraine; Claire Lietard Journal: BMC Cardiovasc Disord Date: 2013-09-11 Impact factor: 2.298