Evaluation of laboratory request forms for culture and sensitivity testing of pus specimen

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the awareness among health care professionals about the importance of various components of request form through their form completion behavior in a teaching hospital at Rawalpindi. Retrospective study. All lab request forms accompanying pus specimen for culture and sensitivity received in the laboratory of Islamic International Medical College Trust Pakistan Railways Hospital during the calendar year of 2010 were analyzed. A total of 525 Laboratory [Lab] Request forms for pus culture and sensitivity were received. These were analyzed for completion of all the provided information spaces. The results were entered in Microsoft access sheet and analyzed. Most of the specimens [55%] originated from Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, followed by Departments of Surgery 23%, Orthopedics 11%, Pediatrics 2%, Medicine 1%, ICU and ER 1%, ENT 1%. Department was not mentioned in 6% forms. Most of these forms were signed by Post Graduate Trainees [44%], followed by Medical officers 18%, Consultants 11%, House Officers 9%, Ward Representatives 8%, Registrars 4% and signed without designation 1%. Five percent forms were received unsigned. In the Patient Identification part of the form Father / husband's name was written only in 38%. Patient's ward, bed number, age, gender and Registration No. were missing from 5.7%, 30.7%, 15.2%, 10.5% and 14% respectively. Although clinical notes were given in 90.3% but diagnosis was stated in 26.5% and history of antibiotic therapy only in 2,3% forms. Important information like site of pus collection and type of wound were missing from 20.4% and 27.6% of the forms. The type of test required was stated in 81% whereas the date was missing from vast majority [81.7%] of forms. The study indicates lack of awareness about the importance of components of Lab Request form among Health Professionals. Serious omissions are made even in patient identification information. The frequently neglected important parameters included history of antibiotic therapy, date of sample collection, and site of pus. The study highlights the need for attention to teaching and training laying emphasis on this issue and conducting CME lectures for both graduate and postgraduate levels