Pre-Analytical Errors Affecting Quality Of Final Results At The Pathology Laboratory College Of Health Sciences, Makerere University Kampala Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: These pre-analytical errors have been reported as the major pit hole in Pathology laboratory that affect the quality of reports as well as the management and prognosis of the patient. These errors constitute about 4-5 times of the errors compared to analytical and post-analytical processes. The work flow effectively involves three phases, pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical in which all phases are interconnected directly or indirectly. The research study was done at the Pathology department, college of health sciences, Makerere University located in upper Mulago. The main objective of the study was to study Pre-analytical errors affecting the quality of the final results produced at Pathology laboratory. The specific objectives were to determine the rate of occurrence, commonest stage presenting with pre-analytical errors and to establish any association between pre- analytical errors and the quality of the final results produced at Pathology laboratory Makerere University College of Health Sciences.

Methodology: The study looked at 323 laboratory request forms using a descriptive prospective research design in a period of three (3) months ranging from May to Aug 2018. Data was collected using observation checklist, entered into excess, analyzed and presented using frequency tables and bar charts.

Results: The rate of occurrence of pre-analytical errors in the study was 100%. The commonest stage presenting with pre-analytical error was grossing not done by senior 316(97.83%), followed by grossing errors 312(96.59%) and the lowest was clinical summary 27(8.36%). There was no association between pre-analytical and TAT.

Conclusion and recommendations: Pre-analytical errors occur frequently in pathology lab, there a strong association between pre-analytical errors especially demographic data, clinical history and grossing. Pathology laboratory should embrace SLIPTA in order to work towards accreditation in any of the accrediting bodies. There is a desperate need of senior pathologist during grossing and there is need to do monitoring and evaluation both in laboratories and clinical.