The Quality Paradox in Medical Laboratories: High Pre-analytical Vigilance Masks Analytical Vulnerabilities in Libya

Siraj Sobhi Hamad; Hawa Kamel Abo Dabos; Asma Amer; Abd Wanes Khaled Elkilane

doi:10.33214/w8d9ka34

Authors

Siraj Sobhi Hamad Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Medical Laboratory Department Libya, Misurata Author
Hawa Kamel Abo Dabos Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Medical Laboratory Department Libya, Misurata Author
Asma Amer Medical Laboratory Department, Misrata Medical Center ,Misurata, Libya Author
Abd Wanes Khaled Elkilane Medical Laboratory Department, Health Services Center Derna, Derna, Libya Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33214/w8d9ka34

Keywords:

Laboratory Quality, Patient Safety, Internal Quality Control (IQC), Pre-analytical Errors, Continuous Training, Lean Management

Abstract

Background: Laboratory reliability is the cornerstone of clinical decision-making and patient safety. This study aimed to evaluate compliance with quality standards among medical laboratory practitioners and analyze the demographic and institutional factors influencing analytical performance. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, involving 186 practitioners (N=186). A validated survey instrument assessed compliance across pre-analytical and analytical phases. Advanced statistical tests, including Chi-square (X²) and Spearman’s correlation (r_s), were applied to identify compliance predictors and systemic barriers. Results: The findings revealed a distinct "quality paradox." Practitioners demonstrated high compliance in pre-analytical protocols, with 88.7% for patient identification and 93.5% for sterile tool usage. Conversely, a significant analytical gap emerged, as only 41.9% consistently executed daily Internal Quality Control (IQC). Inferential analysis identified a strong, highly significant positive correlation between educational attainment and protocol adherence (p=0.009). Alarmingly, 61.3% of the cohort lacked formal training in the past year. Excessive workload (43.5%) and resource scarcity were identified as the primary institutional barriers. Conclusion: The study underscores that individual diligence cannot compensate for the lack of automated safeguards and institutionalized training. We advocate for a paradigm shift from manual surveillance to quality automation and the integration of mandatory Continuing Medical Education (CME) into professional licensure. Bridging the analytical gap requires structural reforms to ensure laboratory reliability remains independent of daily operational pressures.

Author Biographies

Siraj Sobhi Hamad , Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Medical Laboratory Department Libya, Misurata

Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Medical Laboratory Department Libya, Misurata
Hawa Kamel Abo Dabos, Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Medical Laboratory Department Libya, Misurata

Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Medical Laboratory Department Libya, Misurata
Asma Amer, Medical Laboratory Department, Misrata Medical Center ,Misurata, Libya

Medical Laboratory Department, Misrata Medical Center ,Misurata, Libya
Abd Wanes Khaled Elkilane, Medical Laboratory Department, Health Services Center Derna, Derna, Libya

Medical Laboratory Department, Health Services Center Derna, Derna, Libya

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