A New Method for the Prevention of Pre-Analytical Errors due to Hemolysis: Intensive Training.

Background: Our aim was to compare the routine training (RT) method with the intensive training (IT) method, described for the first time by our group, for preventing pre-analytical errors in induced hemolysis.

Methods: At two months, either RT or IT methods were introduced, and data collected in the second two months were compared with the initial two months to assess changes in the number of samples rejected. Working groups were formed according to the methods of training, clinics, and services. Group I contained only the emergency clinic and services. Group II included other polyclinics and services. In this study, Group I followed the IT method and Group II followed the RT method. Training and supervision were conducted during regular office hours every weekday. In this study, the percentage of errors in the different groups of the pre-analytical samples that underwent hemolysis was evaluated using the error correction ratio. The effectiveness of training in the groups was compared.

Results: The incidence of hemolysis in the samples showed a significant decline when the IT method was followed. The hemolysis frequency using the RT method had decreased compared to previous training. Both results were statistically significant. A further result of the study was a reduction in the incidence of the hemolysis ratio when comparing Groups I and II; the IT method was more effective than the RT method.

Conclusions: The IT method is effective in preventing hemolysis-induced pre-analytical errors.