Sample Management Errors in a Multispecialty Hospital-based Blood Bank

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: Specimen labeling errors along with incorrect patient identification have been described as among the most complex and demanding occurrences in laboratory diagnostics. The study aimed to describe the rates of sample identification and labeling errors in the blood center of a multispecialty hospital and identify possible measures to reduce them. Methods: A retrospective document review and analysis of sample identification and labeling errors were conducted in a Blood Bank Laboratory in Saudi Arabia for 4 years. The quality assurance database from the laboratory information system was used to access and review all relevant information. The one-way analysis of variance was employed to check the statistical differences between the laboratory errors and other variables in the study. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: Overall, 74,279 samples and laboratory requests were received, with over 3107 canceled requests and rejected samples. An error rate of 0.43% was due to incorrect identification and labeling. This accounts for 10.2% of the total canceled tests. The annual labeling error ranges from 0.26% to 0.73%. Primarily, the errors were due to incomplete data (0.37%) and were noted as the leading type of error in all the departments. More than half (51.3%) of the errors happened in type and screen tests, whereas a significant proportion was also noted in crossmatch red blood cells (31.9%). Conclusions: The rate of sample identification and labeling errors in this study was comparable to established data and was primarily due to incomplete data or labels. Identification and labeling errors are most common in type and screen testing and crossmatch. Carefully monitoring specimen labeling quality continually can lower specimen labeling errors and determine improvements.