The document outlines the phases of laboratory testing: pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical, emphasizing the importance of quality control at each stage to minimize errors. It discusses common pre-analytical errors related to specimen collection and patient identification, as well as analytical phase errors stemming from human and instrumental mistakes. The post-analytical phase involves reviewing and promptly reporting results, with suggestions for improving quality assurance such as implementing barcode systems and automated report transmission.

1. VIVEKANANDA ARTS AND SCIENCE
COLLEGE FOR WOMEN,
VEERACHIPALAYAM-636007,
SANGAKIRI, TAMILNADU
DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY
SUBJECT: CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
TOPIC: PRE-ANALYTICAL PHASE AND POST ANALYTICAL PHASE
SUBJECT INCHARGE: PRESENTED BY:
DR. V. BHARATHI P. SRIDHARSHINI
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR II BSC MICROBIOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY
VIAAS, SANGAKIRI VIAAS, SANGAKIRI

2. PRE ANALYTICAL PHASE AND POST
ANALYTICAL PHASE

3. CONTENT
• What are the phases of laboratory testing? .
• Pre analytical test.
• Analytical test.
• Post analytical test.
• Patient identification.
• Specimen collection.
• Quality control.

4. WHAT ARE THE PHASES OF LABORATORY TESTING?
• Whether you’re in a research or healthcare setting, in hematology or
microbiology, you can measure the quality of a laboratory’s procedures by
the reliability, accuracy, and promptness of the reported metrics and test
results.
• In order to obtain the most accurate results, each aspect of the lab’s
operations must be optimized to maintain reliability. To ensure this is possible,
laboratories must follow the standard phases of testing. Each cycle of clinical
laboratory testing is divided into three stages:

5. • Pre-analytical stage: The first of these stages is the pre-analytical phase, which may
begin even before the specimen has reached the lab. This means that rigorous protocols
must be in place to reduce the risk of errors in specimen handling and identification.
• Analytical phase: The second phase is the analytical phase. This begins when the
specimens have been logged into the lab. This phase is comprised of the lab diagnostic
and testing procedures.
• Post-analytical phase: The final, or post-analytical phase, involves reporting the final
result. Results are sent to the required individual in a timely manner.
• In this article, we will review the three phases of laboratory testing in detail.

6. PRE ANALYTICAL PHASE:
• The pre-analytic phase is a crucial part of laboratory testing and is as equally important as the
subsequent phases. Laboratory professionals have no direct involvement in this process.
Preanalytical factors that can affect the results of a test include:
• Sample type
• Sample timing
• Sample handling
• Sample identification
• Pre-analytical errors are those which arise before the samples are measured by laboratory
professionals. Although most pre-analytical errors are discovered before the samples reach the
lab, if they are not spotted, they can cause serious problems further down the line.
•

7. PATIENT IDENTIFICATION:
• Patient identification errors are common during the pre-analytical phase and
can cause medical laboratories serious issues with patient safety.
• This type of error includes missing or wrong patient information and may arise
when a patient is not conscious at the time the sample is taken, or because the
sample is needed very quickly. Patient identification errors may also be
caused by improper or illegible specimen labeling.

8. SPECIMEN COLLECTION:
• Sometimes errors can occur during specimen collection. Specimen collection
errors might arise from patient conditions during collection—such as fragile
veins. They can also occur if samples are taken at different points during the
day, or when the patient is receiving laboratory medicines.

9. QUALITY CONTROL:
• To reduce pre-analytical error rates, all procedures should be standardized and
automated whenever possible. By establishing a standardized system to recognize
pre-analytical errors, many of these said errors can be prevented.
•
• Implementing an automated system for identifying, storing, and tracking samples can
eliminate errors at the front end. Doing this also cuts down the labor intensiveness of
manual implementation. In this way, once an error has been detected, the system can
be used to reject related samples.

10. ANALYTICAL PHASE:
• The analytical phase begins when the lab prepares a patient specimen for
testing, and culminates in the verification and interpretation of the test results.
Advances in lab automation tools have helped to improve analytical
techniques within the lab, provide superior instrumentation, and decrease error
rates.

11. LABORATORY TESTING:
• Human and instrumental errors may be encountered during the analytical phase. Occasionally random errors
may also occur. Errors that skew sample measurement due to human mistakes or instrumental malfunctions are
more common. The following errors may arise during laboratory testing in the analytical phase:
•
• Issues with verification and quality control of performance specs
• Collaboration errors
• Reagent mistakes
• Errors stemming from manual pipetting
• Interference from unidentified antibodies
• Mathematical errors
• Clinician errors in preparation and processing
• Mistakes caused by staff fatigue

12. QUALITY ASSURANCE:
• Even with automation in place, analytical quality remains a significant issue.
For example, issues can arise due to inadequate sample preparation or the
accidental presence of substances that can interfere with the accuracy,
sensitivity, and precision of results. To avoid these problems between test
ordering and reporting test results, laboratories should commit to the following
protocols:

13. • Implementation of manuals defining policy, process, and procedure
• Provision of clinician training and competency evaluation
• Implementation of a testing program for clinician test menu
• Automation of instrument calibration and tracking
• Upkeep of records relating to the lab environment

14. POST ANALYTICAL PHASE:
• The post-analytical phase is the final stage of the testing process, in which the
test results are reviewed by clinicians. During this phase, the results should also
be promptly released. This is particularly important for critical results and
those which are needed to help medical professionals to make critical health
decisions for their patients.

15. TEST RESULT:
• Even at the post-analytics phase, errors can still occur. Data entry errors can arise
when results are recorded and stored manually. Post-analytical errors can also occur
during data transmission. In some instances, verbal information may be passed on
incorrectly or misheard. Other common errors with post-analytical test results include:
• Incorrect calculations
• Delayed turnaround time for results
• Results returned to the wrong individual
• Results are not reported

16. QUALITY ASSURANCE:
• To improve and maintain high levels of quality assurance at the post-analytic phase,
clinicians can implement the following preventive measures:
• Implement a bar code ID system: This not only prevents specimen misidentification
and inaccurate labeling, but it also prevents the results from going to the wrong
doctor or patient.
• Utilize automated transmission of reports: Digital transmission of reports ensures that
results are being shared in a timely manner and that they are being sent to the
person who needs them.

17. • Develop a troubleshooting plan: Take note of previous errors or close calls.
Even more importantly, identify the source of the error, whether human or
equipment. Once you have determined what happened, you can prevent a
recurrence.
• Establish a standard for result reporting: If you set out clear protocols for
your team of clinicians and it is in line with the healthcare facilities you are
working with, you can reduce errors significantly throughout the total testing
process.

18. REFERANCE :
• https://genemod.net/blog/pre-analytical-lab-testing-phase
• https://genemod.net/blog/pre-analytical-lab-testing-phase
• https://genemod.net/blog/pre-analytical-lab-testing-phase

19. THANKYOU