Phlebotomy Tube Dealing and Test Ordering Pattern: An Experience

Objective: To describe filling patterns and associated transcriptional aspects in phlebotomy tubes received at PNS Rahat laboratory. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out from November 2006 to August 2007 at Department of Pathology, PNS Rahat, Karachi. Phlebotomy related data was collected from various blood collection tubes and associated request/authorization forms from our in door departments including wards, intensive care units and emergency. Phlebotomy tube filling pattern, presence of clinical details/information on lab request Performa, category of doctor signing/authorizing requests, combined phlebotomy error rate from different wards, and combined phlebotomy error rate in urgent and routine requests were noted. Results: Inappropriate filling was demonstrated in almost half of the collection tubes examined. Only 14 % of the requests actually showed reasons for request. Majority (42.3 %) did not have any mention of clinical details. Almost 69 % of requests were signed by an indirectly concerned doctor. Percentage wise combined phlebotomy error rate possibility from different departments was demonstrated at a maximum from emergency (56.9 %) followed by different wards (49.2 %) and intensive care units (27.3 %). Similarly, percentage