Evaluation of Awareness of Laboratory Professionals about Preanalytical Errors and Their Impact

Background: Laboratory results are critical for clinical decision-making.The preanalytical phase accounts for approximately 68% of laboratory errors.These errors can compromise result quality, leading to misdiagnosis and increased healthcare costs.Ensuring awareness of preanalytical protocols among laboratory professionals is essential, but adherence varies due to differences in education, training, and institutional guidelines.Hence, this study aims to evaluate laboratory professionals' awareness of preanalytical errors and their impact on laboratory results.Understanding the gaps in knowledge and practice will guide targeted interventions to improve the quality of laboratory testing.Materials and methods: This study was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey conducted among laboratory professionals of the Himalayan Clinical Diagnostics and Research Laboratory (HCDRL), Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, India.A structured questionnaire consisting of 31 multiple-choice and Likert scale questions was developed to evaluate participants' knowledge and awareness of preanalytical errors.The survey was administered online using Google Forms.Data were extracted from Google Forms and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results:The study assessed awareness of preanalytical errors among 68 laboratory professionals using a structured questionnaire.While all participants acknowledged the importance of the preanalytical phase, knowledge gaps were evident in areas such as sample analysis, storage, and handling.Although 95.6% adhered to standard disinfection practices, variations were observed in tourniquet application time, site selection, and alcohol drying time.Common preanalytical errors identified included hemolysis, insufficient sample volume, and clot formation, yet only 47.1% felt confident in detecting them.Despite 92.6% recognizing the need for periodic training, only 55.9% received structured sessions, highlighting a gap between awareness and practice.Strengthening training initiatives is crucial to minimizing errors and improving laboratory quality. Conclusion:The study highlights the need for increased awareness and training among laboratory professionals regarding preanalytical errors.Despite the critical role of preanalytical quality in ensuring accurate laboratory results, knowledge gaps persist in key areas.Implementing targeted educational initiatives, standardized protocols, and regular competency assessments can help mitigate these errors and improve laboratory efficiency and patient safety.Clinical significance: Preanalytical errors contribute significantly to laboratory inaccuracies, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment decisions.Enhancing laboratory professionals' awareness and adherence to standardized procedures can reduce these errors, ensuring reliable test results and better clinical outcomes.This study underscores the necessity of structured training programs and quality control measures to maintain high laboratory standards.