Abstract

That most laboratory errors occur in the preanalytical phase has been demonstrated in the past. There is paucity of data on the contribution of incomplete request forms to preanalytical errors in Nigerian hospitals. We examined our laboratory request forms for the frequency of incomplete data. Request forms received at the laboratory in a three- month period were examined for some parameters. The completeness of information supplied by the requesting physician was analyzed. A total of 2115 request forms were examined. The only well documented parameter was the patient’s name. Time and date of specimen collection was recorded in 10.3 and 36.5% of forms respectively. Those who had their date of birth recorded were 86.4%. The working diagnosis was recorded in 93.2%. There was no information on medication on the entire patients. While the consultants’ in-charge was stated in 96.6% of cases, fully written diagnoses occur only in 92.2% of forms. As laboratory data plays a significant role in medical diagnosis, incorrect or incomplete data provided to the laboratory could significantly impact on the comments and successful outcome of treatment that patient receives.

Key words: Request forms, result interpretation, preanalytical error.