Evaluation of the non-conformities of the pre-analytical phase in the hematology laboratory of the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital

BACKGROUND

In the Medical laboratory, patient samples are treated according to three successive phases before results
are rendered. These pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases must be followed properly to
ensure reliable results. However, some discrepancies, which can represent up to 80% of the errors encountered in laboratory, are due to non-compliance of the pre-analytical phase.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify non-conformities of the pre-analytical phase in the hematology laboratory of Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital (YUTH) to determine the possible causes and potential risks of the results provided to patients.

METHODOLOGY

A descriptive and evaluative study was conducted in the hematology laboratory of the YUTH using an observation grid, from 28 March to 8 April 2021. This grid has noted the various non-conformities of the preanalytical phase for prescription by the clinician, patient identification, labeling, specimen collection, transport and delivery to the laboratory, reception and sample sorting.

RESULTS

This study has allowed operating 100 screens of nonconformities observations. We identified several non-conformities of the preanalytical phase represented mainly by the absence of the patient’s telephone address (89%); the lack of precision on relevant clinical information (77%); the absence of the age and sex of the patient on the analysis request form (32%), prolonged tourniquet laying (68%), the lack of sex (35%) and age (21%) on the label of the sample tube, the mislabeled tubes (41%), the non-respect of the deadline indicated in the procedure (31%), insufficient quantity of blood (30%).

CONCLUSION

The pre-analytical errors detected can have an impact on the results of analysis and inappropriate management of patients. Regular further training and awareness are needed to improve the quality of this phase.

COMPETING INTEREST

We declare no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions
Jiresse Anneda Kenne Yemeli: Conceiving the protocole, data collection, statistical analyses, writing the report
Diderot Fopa: Conceiving the protocole, supervising data collection and statistical analyses, writing the report
 

Acknowledgements
We thank the staff of collection unit.