Awareness and knowledge levels of patients regarding pre-analytical errors

Abstract Objectives Efforts to minimize pre-analytical errors remain significant in laboratory procedures. However, the existing literature has not thoroughly explored the awareness of errors that could influence the process before patients submit samples, and there is yet to be an internationally recognized standard on this matter. In this study, a set of 20 questions was posed to participants in the waiting area to assess their knowledge and awareness regarding the pre-analytical process. Methods In this study, voluntary participants were administered an awareness survey consisting of 4 open-ended and 16 multiple-choice questions. Four voluntary pollsters conducted a 20-item survey of voluntary individuals aged 18 and over who came to the blood sampling department of Pamukkale University Hospital to provide samples. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Results The average age of the 328 participants was 30 ± 14 years, with 55.9 % of them being female. 68 % of the participants responded that they knew the rules before sampling. The % of those who believed fasting would not affect the sample result was 42.7. The 89 % of the participants mostly answered “yes” to the survey’s last question, which asked, “The questions directed to me showed that there may be points I do not know about blood sample giving”. Conclusions This article, which mentions assessing awareness and knowledge levels before blood sampling, highlights the necessity for education among healthcare professionals and patients.