Abstract
PRE-ANALYTICAL ERRORS IN CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN INDIA

From the beginning of test request to the admission of the sample in the laboratory if any error occurs it constitutes the pre-analytical error. Even after so many advances in laboratory setups, pre-analytical errors remains a challenge. This study was undertaken to assess the types & frequency of pre-analytical errors seen in clinical biochemistry laboratory. Samples received in clinical biochemistry lab of Varunarjun Medical College, Shahjahanpur (U.P) over a period of 7 months (Sept 2016 - March2017) were included in our study. Data for all preanalytical variables were collected & grouped into different categories of preanalytical variables. A total of 9483 samples were received in Clinical Biochemistry laboratory during period of 7 months, preanalytical errors as per mentioned categories was found in 50 samples. The most common error was haemolysed sample (0.179%), followed by wrong label (0.147%) & the least error was sample being lipaemic (0.021%). Total preanalytical errors were found in approximately 0.527% of samples. This study showed the existence of different preanalytical errors in the laboratory. Highest number of samples were haemolysed (0.179%). Preanalytical errors can be prevented by regular education of the staff.