Pre-Analytical Errors: A Lab Checklist

Pre-Analytical Errors: A Lab Checklist: Pre-analytical errors occur before sample examination and can involve patient identification, specimen selection, collection, transport, processing and storage.

Why this topic matters: Reliable measurement cannot rescue a result derived from the wrong patient or compromised sample. The safest improvement often lies beyond the analytical bench.

Step 1 — Scope the problem: Map the specimen journey from order entry through acceptance and note interfaces between collection sites, couriers and the laboratory.

Step 2 — Apply the method: Define acceptance and rejection rules for identity, container, transport time, temperature, volume and interference as appropriate.

Step 3 — Sustain the result: Trend rejected specimens by reason and location, then test whether targeted changes reduce errors without hiding under-reporting.

Practical laboratory example: Haemolysis rates rise on a specific collection shift. Rather than blaming individuals, review collection devices, transport, workflow pressure and competency assessment.

Common errors: Hiding rejection reasons inside free text, accepting mislabelled specimens without an authorised pathway, or ignoring collection-site feedback. Procedures need to withstand real laboratory conditions and staff turnover, rather than merely look complete during audits.

Evidence to keep: Rejection logs, transport conditions, collection instructions, incident reports and improvement measures. The records should allow an independent reviewer to reconstruct how and why technical decisions were made.

Action to take this week: Stratify rejection data by collection point and error type to find a tractable first intervention. Assign an owner and decide what evidence will demonstrate improvement.

Authoritative references: ISO 15189:2022 and applicable specimen-collection professional guidance. Always obtain the applicable standard and check its scope before interpreting this educational overview as an accreditation requirement.