Temperature monitoring during transport of test samples

Quality is the main focus in management of all laboratories. Accurate results of the analyses are not only determined by the analytical procedure but also by preanalytical factors. In the total analytical process of clinical specimens, there are many possible preanalytical sources of error. Monetoring of temperature on test samples of the transport boxes is one way to reduce the mistakes in the preanalytical phase. In this study, four laboratories from primary health care were invited to participate. The temperature has been measured on test samples of the transport boxes being delivered to the laboratory. In three cases the temperature remained within the limits, but in the fourth case the temperature varied more than the allowed interval. Mistakes found in the preanalytical phase, especially in the handling and processing in the process before complete distribution of test samples to laboratory. This suggests that good communication and cooperation among the personnel is the key to improvement of the laboratory quality