Pre‐analytical errors that affect laboratory test results and interpretation: validity of an educational technology for veterinarians

Resumo

Laboratory tests are conducted in three phases: pre‐analytical, analytical, and post‐analytical. The pre‐ analytical phase has a high incidence of errors that can affect laboratory test results and interpretation. Therefore, continuing education in clinical analysis is crucial to reducing or, ideally, eliminating pre‐analytical errors. This study aimed to validate, with the help of experts, the content (stage 1), appearance (stage 2), and semantics (stage 3) of na educational technology (ET), in the form of a manual, for veterinary clinical pathologists. In stages 1 and 3, a Likert‐type scale was applied to calculate the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Semantic Validity Index (SVI), with a minimum validity threshold of 80%. For stage 2, the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) form was used, with a minimum acceptability score of 40%. Content validity yielded an overall CVI of 90%, while appearance assessment reached 89% acceptability; both was approved in the first assessment round. After incorporating expert recommendations, the manual underwent semantic validity, reaching an SVI of 99% with the target audience. The manual was validated and deemed suitable for use in professional education initiatives in clinical analysis and in routine veterinary practice. The ET was registered with the National Library, and is available on the eduCAPES Repository. The validity process is essential to provide high‐quality educational technologies to promote continuing education, improve veterinary care, enhance laboratory test results, and consequently, animal health.