Evaluation of Phlebotomy Services in Clinical Laboratory Setting in Addis Ababa Public
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Date
2014-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Phlebotomy being a critical part of the pre analytical phase of laboratory testing is the
most neglected procedure in health care. About 70% of quality of test is affected during phlebotomy
and other pre analytical services. However, little is known about the practice of phlebotomy services
in developing countries like Ethiopia.
Objectives: To assess the practice of phlebotomists and to identify the major sources of errors
during venous blood collection in public hospitals in Addis Ababa.
Methodology: Hospital based, cross sectional study was conducted from April 15 to May 10, 2014.
The study followed 40 phlebotomists while each of them were collecting 5 different venous blood
collections (giving a total of 200 phlebotomies). Well structured questionnaires and checklists were
used to collect data. Data was entred on EPI-Data version 3.1and statistical analysis was performed
with SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were employed and Chi square test was used for
compairing major errors observed.
Result: Almost all laboratory phlebotomy sites had no SOPs available in collection sites and most
of collection sites were not well ventilated. The major errors identified were use of single glove for
more than one client 139 of 200 (69.5%), inappropreate cleaning practice of vein puncture sites 180
of 200 (90%), collecting blood before the disinfectant alcohol is air dried 139 of 200 (69.5%),
incorrect tube collection sequences 107 of 200 (53.5%), unnecessarly applying of tourniquets after
blood started flowing in to the collection tubes and syringes 170 of 200 (85.0%) and applying
tourniquets before locating and selecting approperate site for venous blood collection 175 of 200
(87.5%).
Conclusion and Recommendation: - Many errors were identified in the phlebotomy practice
during the observational study. As the quality of blood specimen influences patient result: emphasis
should be given on phlebotomy training to improve the practices for phlebotomists and ensure
safety as well as quality during blood collections for laboratory analysis.
Keywords: phlebotomy, venous blood collection, Quality, tourniquet, phlebotomist, preanalytical
errors
Description
Keywords
Phlebotomy, Venous blood collection, Quality, Tourniquet, Phlebotomist