Temperature regulation of CBC samples in clinical laboratories of Karachi

Abstract

To determine how Labs are maintaining their Laboratory temperatures, to measure the temperature of different clinical laboratories & to check their controls, to compare temperature affects on Samples & Controls with normal values & with each other. In a cross-sectional study, fifteen clinical laboratories in Karachi are examined for observing the standard protocols for running a lab with particular reference to temperature regulation. A questionnaire to the effect is filled and data are statistically analyzed and the following results are obtained. In the 15 labs observed, the mean of complete blood counts performed daily was 1.93± 0.88. All 15 (100%) labs had a temperature reader. All 15 (100%) labs had an air conditioner installed. Out of these 15, only 12 were found to be in working condition. Out of 15 laboratories 8 (53.3%) of them perform the sample immediately, 2 of the laboratories (13.3%) perform after half an hour, 3 (26.6) perform within 1 hour while 1 (6%) takes more than 1 hour to perform the sample. The finding of this survey showed that some of CBC parameters can be changed with the variation in temperature; therefore it is better to do the CBC test after blood taking as soon as possible. So, the commercial laboratories should be properly registered and their quality standardized.