Abstract
Objective: To describe filling patterns and associated transcriptional aspects in phlebotomy
tubes received at PNS Rahat laboratory.
Material and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out from November 2006 to
August 2007 at Department of Pathology, PNS Rahat, Karachi. Phlebotomy related data was
collected from various blood collection tubes and associated request/authorization forms
from our in door departments including wards, intensive care units and emergency.
Phlebotomy tube filling pattern, presence of clinical details/information on lab request
Performa, category of doctor signing/authorizing requests, combined phlebotomy error rate
from different wards, and combined phlebotomy error rate in urgent and routine requests
were noted.
Results: Inappropriate filling was demonstrated in almost half of the collection tubes
examined. Only 14 % of the requests actually showed reasons for request. Majority (42.3 %)
did not have any mention of clinical details. Almost 69 % of requests were signed by an
indirectly concerned doctor. Percentage wise combined phlebotomy error rate possibility
from different departments was demonstrated at a maximum from emergency (56.9 %)
followed by different wards (49.2 %) and intensive care units (27.3 %). Similarly, percentage
2
wise combined phlebotomy error rate possibility was higher in urgent (48.1 %) than routine
investigations (34.2 %).
Conclusion: Phlebotomy related errors constitute a major burden in our hospitals. The errors
increase with urgent and non-professional workers dealing with phlebotomy. A motivated
and educated approach is required to improve phlebotomy practices in our medical set ups.
(Rawal Med J 2008;33:62-66).

Key words: Phlebotomy, pre-analytical errors, laboratory quality.