Abstract

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the pivotal role of laboratory testing in diagnosing and managing the disease. This research presents a comprehensive investigation into the laboratory processes involved in COVID-19 testing at the NHLS Paarl laboratory in the Western Cape.

The devastating effects of COVID-19 have magnified the significance of laboratory testing in public health. Accurate and timely results are essential for patient care, outbreak control, and epidemiological surveillance. However, the risk of errors in laboratory testing poses a substantial challenge. This study analyses rejected specimens in the pre-analytical phase of the laboratory and their implications.

This research study employed a mixed methodology that incorporated both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data was collected and analyzed using NHLS TrakCare rejection reports using quality tools such as Pareto analysis, Ishikawa diagram, the 5 whys analysis, and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis. Qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings revealed that errors in pre-analytical specimen collection and labeling significantly contributed to rejected specimens.

Recommendations include standardized training for healthcare professionals involved in specimen collection and labeling and the establishment of rigorous quality control measures. A redesigned pre-analytic framework was developed where checkpoints are integrated into various stages of the process, which prove instrumental in overcoming common errors, thereby reducing specimen rejections and improving patient healthcare in the ongoing battle against COVID-19.

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Ms. Natasha Singh