A systematic approach towards the prevention of the laboratory errors and the optimization of the preanalytical phase management

Abstract

Resumo: The (pre)pre-analytical phase encompasses all the procedures before the start of laboratory testing. This step of the whole testing process is responsible for the majority of the laboratory errors, since the related procedures involve many sorts of non-laboratory prfessionals working outside the laboratory setting, thus without direct supervision by the laboratory staff. Therefore, it is fundamental to correctly organize and manage both personnel and procedures regarding (pre)pre-analytical phase. The present thesis is focused on the prevention of the Laboratory errors and the optimization of the preanalitycal phase management. The research activity and data on which the present thesis is based, has concerned twenty studies (Original Papers), and one non-systematic review. Based on the main arguments dealt with, this thesis will be described in three main chapters. The first one concerns the patient preparation for clinical laboratory analyses as regards fasting time. The second involves the procedure for diagnostic blood specimen collection by venipuncture according to: phlebotomist performace, impact of venous stasis on laboratory platelets, EDTA contamination, and mix of primary blood tubes. Finally, the third chapter focuses on the verification of in vitro diagnostic devices daily used on (pre-)preanalitycal phase. This thesis could be a (pre)pre-analytical management-tool to prevent laboratory errors, with the concept that laboratory results from inappropriate blood specimens are inconsistent and do not allow proper treatment nor monitoring of the patient.