Reducing Blood Sample Rejections in Male Surgical Wards: A Systematic Approach

Clinical pathology and laboratory medicine play a critical role in patient care, with laboratory results influencing up to 80% of clinical decisions. The accuracy of these results depends heavily on the quality of specimens received, particularly during the pre-analytical phase, which accounts for approximately 56% of laboratory errors. Pre-analytical errors—including patient identification, specimen collection, labeling, handling, and transport—are major contributors to blood specimen rejection, which can lead to delayed diagnosis, extended hospital stays, and decreased patient and staff satisfaction. King Fahad Medical City, the largest medical complex in the Middle East, manages high patient volumes across multiple specialized hospitals, creating a high-pressure environment that can exacerbate pre-analytical errors in male surgical wards. Factors such as rapid turnaround time demands, overcrowding, and workflow pressures contribute to specimen mishandling, trauma, and incorrect order of draw. Systematic interventions targeting these issues can significantly reduce specimen rejections, improve laboratory efficiency, and enhance overall patient care. This study emphasizes the importance of structured pre-analytical protocols and staff training to optimize blood specimen quality, minimize errors, and support timely clinical decision-making in high-demand hospital settings.