präanalytische

Präanalytische refers to the phase of laboratory testing that occurs before a sample is actually analyzed by instrumentation. This pre-examination phase encompasses all the steps and processes involved from the moment a laboratory test is ordered by a healthcare provider to the point where the sample is ready for automated or manual analysis. Key components of the präanalytische phase include patient identification, sample collection, sample handling, sample transportation, and sample processing such as centrifugation or aliquoting. Ensuring accuracy and reliability at this stage is critical, as errors made during the präanalytische phase can significantly impact the final test results, potentially leading to misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and increased healthcare costs. Proper training of laboratory personnel and adherence to standardized protocols are essential for minimizing präanalytische errors. This phase is often considered the most error-prone part of the entire testing process, highlighting its importance in overall laboratory quality management. The goal of optimizing the präanalytische phase is to ensure that the sample analyzed is representative of the patient's condition and that it is in the best possible condition for accurate measurement.