Pre-analytical (before analysis) is the phase between when a test is being ordered and a test begins. Pre-analytical variables are any variables that might exist during the process of obtaining the specimen, and right before the actual testing of the collected specimens begins.

Some of the pre-analytical variables can be controlled, while some are uncontrollable. Controllable variables are related to the standardisation of specimen collection, handling, transportation and processing. Meanwhile, physiological variables such as a patient's age, gender, underlying diseases, lifestyle and pregnancy are considered as uncontrollable variables.

Besides having a good technical skill in drawing a patient's blood, you need to be aware of your patient's variables too as one specimen's condition can vary from another specimen.

Please watch the video and observe the three patients coming into the clinic carefully. Try to identify the pre-analytical variables in them.

From the three patients, what pre-analytical variables that you can observe?

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