Preanalytical errors

Proper collection, processing, and storage of common sample types associated with requests for diagnostic testing are critical to the provision of quality test results and many errors can occur during these steps. Such errors are considered preanalytical errors and are known to contribute to delayed and suboptimal patient care. Recognizing and minimizing these errors through careful adherence to the concepts below and any individual institutional policies will result in more reliable information for use in quality patient care by healthcare professionals. Controllable and uncontrollable are the two classifications of preanalytical variables. Controllable variables relate to standardization of collection, transport, and processing of specimens. Uncontrollable variables are those associated with the physiology of the particular patient)age, sex, underlying disease, etc.(. Laboratorians must understand the influences of both controllable and uncontrollable variables on the composition of body fluids to be able to interpret test results.