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Sep 17, 2026Reducing Pre-Analytical Errors
Reducing Pre-Analytical Errors is a 1 hour asynchronous continuing education course designed for laboratory professionals, phlebotomists, specimen-collection personnel, and other healthcare professionals involved in the pre-analytical laboratory process. The course examines common errors related to patient identification, specimen collection, labeling, handling, transport, and specimen integrity. Participants will learn practical strategies to prevent errors, recognize and appropriately manage compromised specimens, and use documentation, communication, competency assessment, and quality-improvement methods to improve specimen quality and patient safety.
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What You’ll Learn?
Course Syllabus
Welcome!
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Accreditation Statement
Learning Objectives
Introduction
What Is the Pre-Analytical Phase?
Why Pre-Analytical Errors Matter
The Pre-Analytical Workflow
Common Categories of Pre-Analytical Errors
Patient Identification
Specimen Labeling
Label at the Point of Collection
What to Do With a Mislabeled Specimen
Specimen Integrity
Selecting the Correct Collection Tube
Order of Draw
Tube Fill and Blood to Additive Ratio
Proper Tube Mixing
Hemolysis
Preventing Hemolysis
Contamination
Blood Culture Contamination
Urine and Other Non-Blood Specimens
Patient Preparation
Collection Time Matters
Specimen Transport
Delayed Transport
Temperature and Storage
Protecting Specimens From Light
Specimen Rejection
Balancing Rejection and Patient Care
Documentation
Error Reporting
Corrective Action
Near Miss Reporting
Root Cause Analysis
Human Factors
Standardization
Barcode and Electronic Identification
Communication Between Collection and Laboratory Staff
Scenario
Continuous Quality Improvement
Using Data to Improve Performance
Training and Competency
Pre-Collection Checklist
Laboratory Receipt Checklist
Conclusion
References
Post-Test
Certification
Choose from a list of project topics or create your own project idea that incorporates all skills learned (e.g., a mini-banking system, personal expense tracker, or inventory manager).
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Tieso is a laboratory educator who loves helping laboratory professionals continue to learn, grow, and explore the ever-evolving world of laboratory science! With teaching experience in phlebotomy, Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science (CLS/MLS) programs, Dr. Tieso brings a mix of knowledge, real-world experience, and enthusiasm to continuing education. As an ASCP-certified professional licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Dr. Tieso understands the importance of quality, accuracy, and a little curiosity in the lab!
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