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The preanalytical phase is the most error-prone part of lab testing, accounting for up to 68% of diagnostic mistakes before samples even reach the lab. Our system targets this vulnerable phase, improving specimen integrity and reducing redraws, delays, and diagnostic risk. ​​​​​
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These errors represent up to 1.2% of hospital operating budgets (approximately $13.2 billion annually) and are the leading source of lab-related mistakes. Due to high staff burden, nurses and phlebotomists face time pressures, complex workflows, and documentation demands—making errors more likely and harder to catch. (1, 11)
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Preanalytical
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Analytical
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Postanalytical
The Three Phases of Blood Collection & Testing
Blood collection is part of a broader laboratory testing process divided into three key phases: preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical. The preanalytical phase is the most important, directly impacting sample integrity, while the analytical phase focuses on actual testing and data generation.
Why the Preanalytical Phase Drives Safety, Trust, and Efficiency
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• Diagnostic uncertainty: Poor samples can yield false or inconclusive results.
• Trust erosion: Patients and clinicians lose confidence in the system
• Patient safety risks: Delayed or incorrect diagnoses impact treatment decisions.​
• Financial impact: Redraws and repeat testing drive up costs and reduce efficiency.
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Common Issues in the Preanalytical Phase & Associated Impact
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Specimen Rejection & Redraws
Poor technique, incorrect labeling, or improper handling often lead to rejected samples, requiring redraws that delay care and frustrate patients. (1)
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Average cost per outpatient preanalytical error: $337.05 (4)
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Each preanalytical error can cost up to $712 in downstream care (4)
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False-positive blood culture: $4,538 per case (4)
Manual Errors
Manual transcription, labeling, and additive selection introduce variability and risk—especially in high-volume or acute care settings. (2)
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Over 160,000 specimen-related adverse events reported annually (5)
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Lost specimen may cost up to $548 (5)
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Mislabeled specimens with redraw cost an estimated $712 per error (5)
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A large hospital can incur $1 million in losses annually in manual errors (5)
Lack of Compliance Enforcement
Without built-in safeguards, frontline staff may unintentionally bypass critical steps, leading to noncompliant or unusable specimens. (1)
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Industry estimates suggest that diagnostic errors and retesting may cost U.S. hospitals up to $37 billion annually—a burden driven largely by preanalytical failures. (6,7,8,9,10)​​​
Contact P5 to become a part of our journey and learn more about our revolutionary venous blood collection system known as AMVC.
Resources:
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1) BMC Nursing
6) Center for Disease Control, https://www.cdc.gov/clia , August 2020
7) ”Understanding the Limitations of Integrated Workcells”, Medical Laboratory Observer, September 2020
8) Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, November 2013
9) Clinical Biochemistry, April 2013
10) A Review of Medical Errors in Laboratory Diagnostics, Laboratory Medicine, February 2012
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