Incidence of Pre-Analytical Errors in a Primary Laboratory Clinic in Rodriguez, Rizal: A Basis for a Quality Assurance Plan

Pre-analytical errors are the leading source of laboratory testing inaccuracies and may compromise diagnostic reliability and patient safety. This study determined the incidence of pre-analytical errors in a primary laboratory clinic in Rodriguez, Rizal, as the basis for developing a Quality Assurance Plan. A quantitative retrospective descriptive research design with purposive sampling was employed. Laboratory records with documented pre-analytical errors from January 2024 to December 2025 were reviewed and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, cross-tabulation, and the Chi-square Test of Independence. The findings showed that the wrong sample container, particularly the use of foreign containers, was the most common pre-analytical error, followed by contaminated samples, while hemolyzed and insufficient samples occurred at moderate levels. Common diagnoses associated with these errors included common cold, dehydration, diabetes, urinary tract infection, and diarrhea. Significant contributing factors were patient restlessness, difficult specimen collection, improper specimen handling, and incorrect specimen container selection. The study concludes that strengthening laboratory quality management through staff education, competency assessment, adherence to standard operating procedures, and continuous quality monitoring is essential to reduce preventable pre-analytical errors, improve specimen quality, enhance laboratory performance, and promote patient safety.