Common Pre-Analytical Errors in a District Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory

Background: Pre-analytical laboratory errors significantly compromise diagnostic reliability, particularly in district hospitals where standardized specimen handling and quality monitoring remain inconsistent in routine laboratory practice. Objective: This study evaluates frequency, distribution, and determinants of common pre-analytical errors affecting biochemical testing accuracy in a district hospital laboratory setting using observational quality assessment. Methods: A cross-sectional laboratory audit was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi, from January 2023 to June 2024. A total of 112 venous blood specimens submitted for routine biochemical analysis were systematically evaluated for hemolysis, labeling errors, insufficient volume, delayed centrifugation, and transport-related deviations using standardized laboratory quality indicators. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics software. Results: Among 112 specimens, pre-analytical errors were identified in…