Validation of phlebotomy performance metrics developed as part of a proficiency-based progression initiative to mitigate wrong blood in tube.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to (1) characterise the procedure of phlebotomy, deconstruct it into its constituent parts and develop a performance metric for the purpose of training healthcare professionals in a large teaching hospital and to (2) evaluate the construct validity of the phlebotomy metric and establish a proficiency benchmark. METHOD: By engaging with a multidisciplinary team with a wide range of experience of preanalytical errors in phlebotomy and observing video recordings of the procedure performed in the actual working environment, we defined a performance metric. This was brought to a modified Delphi meeting, where consensus was reached by an expert panel. To demonstrate construct validity, we used the metric to objectively assess the performance of novices and expert practitioners. RESULTS: A phlebotomy metric consisting of 11 phases and 77 steps was developed. The mean inter-rater reliability was 0.91 (min 0.83, max 0.95). The expert group completed more steps of the procedure (72 vs 69), made fewer errors (19 vs 13, p=0.014) and fewer critical errors (1 Vs 4, p=0.002) than the novice group. CONCLUSIONS: The metrics demonstrated construct validity and the proficiency benchmark was established with a minimum observation of 69 steps, with no critical errors and no more than 13 errors in total.

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis presenting as HELLP syndrome: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, potentially fatal, haematological disorder, which can be clinically challenging to diagnose and manage. We report a case of HLH in a previously healthy 33-year-old primigravida. The patient presented at 22 weeks gestation with dyspnoea, abdominal pain, anaemia, thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes suggestive of HELLP syndrome.HELLP, a syndrome characterised by haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets is considered a severe form of pre-eclampsia. Despite delivery of the fetus, her condition deteriorated over 3-4 days with high-grade fever, worsening thrombocytopenia and anaemia requiring transfusion support. A bone marrow biopsy showed haemophagocytosis and a diagnosis of HLH was made. Partial remission was achieved with etoposide-based chemotherapy and complete remission following bone marrow transplantation. Eleven months post-transplant, the disease aggressively recurred, and the patient died within 3 weeks of relapse.