TABLE 16.

Examples of errors occurring in the preanalytical phase

Preanalytical-phase step(s)	Example of error
Ordering	Urine cultures ordered for asymptomatic patients
	Physician orders incorrect hepatitis markers
	Single set of blood cultures ordered to detect sepsis
Patient/specimen identification	Mislabeled source of the specimen
	Unlabeled/mislabeled specimen
	Missing requisition
Collection	Swab collected and submitted when the preferred sample is tissue or fluid
	Incorrect specimen container used for stool ova and parasites
	Formed stool submitted for Clostridium difficile testing
	Incorrect swab submitted for virus molecular testing
	Poor-quality expectorated sputa
	Insufficient vol of blood drawn for blood cultures
	Incorrect disinfection of venipuncture site before drawing of blood cultures
	Urine collected from the catheter reservoir bag
Transportation	Specimens not sent to the laboratory within the specified time or at the appropriate temperature
Specimen registration and preparation	Incorrect test code registered
	Incorrect loop size used for plating urine specimens
	Cultures poorly streaked; no isolated colonies
	Specimens improperly aliquoted
	Specimens inappropriately centrifuged/not centrifuged per SOP