Awareness of pre-analytical errors amongst healthcare workers of DHQ teaching hospital, Sahiwal, Pakistan

Fariha Muzzamil; Maryam Rafiq; Zahid Kamal Siddiqui; Muhammad Hamza; Amna Arooj; Raees Abbas Lail

Abstract
Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude about pre-analytical errors amongst healthcare workers in District head Quarter (DHQ) Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal, Pakistan.
Methodology: This questionnaire-based web survey was done at Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal from July to August 2020. We used 24 multiple choice-question based Questionnaire, developed as per WHO & CLSI guidelines. It was distributed among healthcare workers through whatsapp messenger and responses were recorded.
Results: The frequency of correct responses varied from 14.9% to 87%. More than 80% of respondents were aware of standard phlebotomy protocols, rejection criteria, and standard operating procedure of sampling for biochemical, hematological and arterial blood gas analysis. 65-79% of respondents were aware of correct vacutainers and anti-coagulants used for different tests. Poor responses, 17.1% and 14.9% were recorded for sample mixing and effect of delay in analysis respectively.
Conclusion: Healthcare workers in DHQ Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal are not fully aware about basic laboratory protocols. This unawareness can lead to generation of erroneous lab reports. Formal education and training is needed to create awareness among healthcare workers.

Key words: Awareness, healthcare workers, phlebotomy, pre-analytical errors.

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