Nursing Management in Blood Sample Collection. Organization, Preanalytical Phase, and Quality of Care

Overview & Synopsis

Accurate laboratory diagnostics depend on effective preanalytical processes, particularly in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units where blood sample collection directly influences patient safety and diagnostic reliability. This study analyzes nursing practices and organizational factors affecting the preanalytical phase in a private hospital in Buenos Aires through a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design involving fifty nursing professionals. The research evaluated protocol standardization, staff training, laboratory service performance, and operational timelines between sample collection and processing. Findings revealed limited protocol implementation, insufficient formal training, and moderate dissatisfaction with laboratory response times. A significant correlation was identified between sample transport delays and result reporting times, demonstrating the operational connection between nursing and laboratory services. The study also examined technical procedures such as tube selection, anticoagulant handling, order of draw, and antiseptic use alongside workflow coordination and communication systems. Results emphasize the importance of nursing leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, continuous education, quality management, and patient safety strategies to reduce preanalytical errors and improve healthcare outcomes.