Bioquímica Clínica 01/03

Summary

This video script focuses on the various types of errors that can occur during the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of laboratory testing. It emphasizes the importance of accurate sample collection, proper patient preparation, and correct storage and transport of specimens. Key errors highlighted include incorrect medical test requests, improper patient instructions, contamination during sample collection, and failure to refrigerate or properly handle samples. The video also covers common analytical and post-analytical errors, such as equipment calibration failures and incorrect result interpretation, stressing the need for meticulous attention to detail in the laboratory process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Errors in the pre-analytical phase, such as incorrect medical test requests or lack of patient preparation, can compromise test results.
• 😀 Ensuring accurate patient information, including fasting, physical activity, and medication use, is critical for reliable lab results.
• 😀 Sample collection errors, including incorrect tube order or insufficient volume, can lead to inaccurate results or false positives.
• 😀 Mishandling of samples, such as improper transport or lack of refrigeration, can cause degradation and unreliable test outcomes.
• 😀 Clear communication and training of laboratory staff are essential to minimize errors, as lab work depends heavily on teamwork.
• 😀 Medical professionals must make specific, accurate test requests based on symptoms to avoid irrelevant or incorrect testing.
• 😀 Accurate patient identification and sample labeling are crucial to prevent sample mix-ups and ensure correct testing.
• 😀 In the analytical phase, proper calibration of equipment and maintenance is required to avoid errors in test results.
• 😀 Using reagents within their specified guidelines and ensuring they are properly stored helps maintain test accuracy.
• 😀 In the post-analytical phase, accurate reporting, proper interpretation of results, and clear communication with medical staff are key to correct diagnoses.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the lesson in the transcript?

The lesson focuses on the various potential errors that can occur in the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of laboratory testing. It highlights common mistakes and the importance of proper training and procedures to reduce errors.

What are some common errors in the pre-analytical phase?

Common errors in the pre-analytical phase include incorrect medical requests (such as ordering unnecessary tests), improper patient information (such as not following fasting guidelines), incorrect sample collection, inadequate sample volume, improper transportation or storage, and wrong identification of the patient.

How can the doctor's request lead to errors in laboratory testing?

If a doctor orders the wrong test based on the patient's symptoms, the lab test results will not provide useful diagnostic information. For example, ordering a cholesterol test when the patient’s symptoms suggest diabetes would not help in diagnosing diabetes.

What is the importance of patient preparation before a test?

Patient preparation is crucial as factors like fasting, physical activity, and medication usage can significantly affect the accuracy of test results. The laboratory staff must ensure the patient is properly informed about these requirements to avoid unreliable results.

What happens if there is contamination during sample collection?

Contamination during sample collection, such as mixing up the order of blood tubes, can result in false positive results. The contamination could show a disease that the patient does not actually have.

Why is proper sample volume important in laboratory testing?

Proper sample volume is important because insufficient sample size may prevent accurate testing or lead to false positive results. For example, if only a small amount of blood is collected for multiple tests, the tests may not provide reliable results.

What are the potential consequences of improper sample transportation and storage?

Improper transportation and storage, such as leaving a blood sample in the sun or not refrigerating it, can degrade the sample and lead to inaccurate or unreliable test results, affecting the quality of the diagnosis.

What types of errors occur during the analytical phase?

Analytical phase errors include equipment calibration failures, power supply variations, the use of expired or improperly stored reagents, incorrect dilutions, and issues like air bubbles or microclots in the sample that can interfere with the test results.

How can laboratory staff prevent errors in the post-analytical phase?

To prevent post-analytical errors, it is important to ensure the accuracy of test result interpretation, correct transcription of results, and proper communication of findings. Additionally, laboratory staff must ensure that results are legible and that the correct conclusion is drawn from the data.

Why is it crucial to understand the storage requirements of different samples?

Different samples have specific storage requirements to maintain their integrity. For example, blood samples for hemograms must be refrigerated if not analyzed within a few hours, and sperm samples should be analyzed within 30 minutes to avoid altering the results. Knowing these requirements ensures the accuracy of test outcomes.