Background: The quality of the laboratory result lies in the quality of information provided in the laboratory request forms. Majority of laboratory errors arise from the preanalytical phase of sample testing and hence this study was conducted.

Aims: This study aims to assess the level of completion of histopathology request forms submitted for investigations in our institute.

Methods and Material: A review of all histopathology request forms received between January to December 2018 were evaluated to assess the level of performance in four domains of data in the request forms such as patient details, test request details, physician details, and specimen details. Descriptive statistical analysis was done

Results: In our study, only 12.2% of forms evaluated were fully completed. Patient identification details, the signature of requesting physician and request date were the most completed information (100%) and least completed information been timeline category for reporting (8.7%).

Conclusions: This study shows that patient clinical information and physician details were inadequately filled in our setting. There is a need to create awareness of the importance of appropriate filling of request forms among in house surgeons and referring physician and also encourage them to use self-inking stamps for physician identification. Regarding clinical data, the histopathology request forms may be reviewed and redesigned to allow physicians to fill the forms without omitting significant history.

Keywords: Laboratory request forms, histopathology, preanalytic errors, data analysis.

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Dr Priyadharisini

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