Module 6

Question 1

What preanalytical factors can’t be controlled by the lab?

Answer 1

Specimen collection- pt and sample ID, timing, pt prep, pt positioning, use of tourniquet, clenching and relaxing fist, venous, arterial or capillary blood, site cleansing, collection technique, additives/preservatives, IV contamination

Specimen transportation and processing- transport, processing, storage

Question 2

What preanalytical factors can not be controlled by the lab?

Answer 2

Age and gender

Environment

Pt condition or disease

Question 3

How are preanalytical errors detected?

Answer 3

Preanalytical- specimen labelling errors should be detected

Analytical- failed delta check, result doesn’t correlate with other pt result, appearance doesn’t correlate with expected result

Postanalytical- contact from doctor or unit to inquire about a result that doesn’t fit or indicate they received a test that wasn’t ordered

Question 4

How are preanalytical errors troubleshot?

Answer 4

Examine specimen

Try to correlate results to pt condition or other test results for the pt

Feasibility- are results compatible with life

Look for comments/info on req indicating specimen collection info, pt condition, etc

Use FIRED

Question 5

What strategies are there to prevent or reduce errors due to preanalytical factors?

Answer 5

Policies, procedures, training and competence

Test-specific collection instructions

Specimen rejection

Managing interferences

Delta check and correlation

Reference intervals

Question 6

How can preanalytical factors be divided?

Answer 6

Those the lab can control and those it can’t