| Abstract [eng] |
The role of laboratory testing in modern medicine is increasingly significant, with 50–70 % of clinical decisions based on test results. This study investigates how Lithuanian healthcare professionals (nurses, biomedical technicians, and physicians) prepare patients and collect venous blood, assessing compliance with the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine and the Latin American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (EFLM-COLABIOCLI) guidelines. Using two online questionnaires, results revealed frequent deviations from best practices, especially among nurses. Common errors included improper tourniquet use, instructing patients to clench fists, incorrect sample order, and poor mixing. Training had a notable impact on adherence to correct procedures. Additionally, inadequate patient preparation – such as failing to advise against alcohol, exercise, or smoking – was linked to pre-analytical errors, affecting diagnostic quality. The study recommends national standardisation of procedures, ongoing training, and quality monitoring to improve accuracy and patient outcomes. It is the first in Lithuania to comprehensively assess patient preparation and venous blood collection practices from a non-laboratory professional perspective. |
