Abstract:

Background information: Pre-analytical error in a pathology laboratory was responsible for as much as 85% of all total errors in the testing process. The rate of occurrence of pre-analytical error varies from countries with High-income to those with Low income. Aim of the study was to give baseline information on the effect of the preanalytical errors on the quality of the histopathological reports in Bugando medical center as well as the association between the pre-analytical errors and turn-around time (TAT).Therefore, an understanding of the actual type of error may help in developing the strategies to reduce these errors as well as their subsequent impact on patients and the health care system.

Broad objective: To determine Pre-analytical errors affecting the quality of the final reports produced at the histopathology laboratory at Bugando Medical center (BMC).
Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional research design, laboratory-based, conducted from April to June 2022 at the central pathology laboratory in the histopathology unit at BMC. Whereby the samples delivered to the department of histopathology laboratory during all the period of study were consecutively sampled until the required sample size was obtained.

Results: Total numbers of 1077 samples were received in histopathology unit at BMC CPL Among 1077 samples, 127 (19.45%) were cytology samples, 11(1.02%) were autopsy samples and 939 (80.55%) samples were tissue biopsies. Out of 939 tissue biopsies received 274 (29.2%) were from BMC and 665 (70.8%) were from other centers. Only 243(25.9%) tissue biopsies had pre analytical errors. The commonest error was lack of patient’s clinical history 97 (48%), followed by improper fixation 81(33%) and the least was container without specimen inside 2(0.5%). A total of 126(51.9%) tissue biopsy with pre analytical error had prolonged TAT. Tissue samples exceeded 1 to 5 days were 59(46.8%), 6 to 10 days were 35(27.8%) samples, and 1 sample had prolonged TAT for 23 days.

Conclusion: Majority of the tissue biopsy received at BMC CPL had single pre analytical errors. In this study only one quarter of tissue biopsy had pre analytical error and the common error was due to lack of clinical information. About half of tissue biopsy with pre analytical errors received had prolongation of TAT and most of them exceed within five days.