PRE-ANALYTICAL ERRORS IN SAMPLE COLLECTION AND THEIR IMPACT ON LABORATORY RESULTS

Clinical laboratory investigations are an essential component of modern
medical practice. It is estimated that approximately 60–70% of clinical
decisions related to diagnosis, treatment, and patient monitoring are
influenced by laboratory test results. The laboratory testing process is
broadly divided into three phases: pre-analytical, analytical, and postanalytical. Among these, the pre-analytical phase is considered the
most error-prone.The pre-analytical phase includes all procedures
performed before the actual analysis of the specimen, such as patient
identification, test request, patient preparation, sample collection,
labeling, transportation, and storage. Errors occurring during this phase
may significantly affect the accuracy of laboratory results, even if the
analytical process is performed correctly.Pre-analytical errors may
result in falsely increased or decreased values, sample rejection,
repeated sampling, delayed diagnosis, unnecessary treatment, increased
workload for laboratory staff, and compromised patient safety.
Therefore, identification and control of pre-analytical errors are crucial
for ensuring laboratory quality and reliability of test results