Laboratory Specimen Rejection: A Crucial Aspect of Sample Integrity

When you go to the doctor for blood work or other laboratory tests, the last thing you want to hear is that your specimen has been rejected. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, but it is important to understand why specimens are rejected and how you can prevent it from happening.

Reasons for Specimen Rejection

There are several reasons why a laboratory may reject a specimen. Some of the most common reasons include:

1. Clotted blood: If the blood in the specimen has clotted, it cannot be properly analyzed. This can happen if the specimen is not properly collected or if it is not handled and stored correctly.
2. Contaminated specimen: If the specimen is contaminated with bacteria or other substances, it can lead to inaccurate test results. This can happen if the specimen collection site is not properly cleaned before collection.
3. Incorrect labeling: Specimens must be properly labeled with the patient's name, date of birth, and other identifying information. If the label is missing or incorrect, the specimen cannot be used for testing.
4. Insufficient quantity: Some tests require a certain amount of specimen to be collected. If there is not enough blood or other material in the specimen, the test may not be possible.
5. Expired specimen: Some tests require the specimen to be tested within a certain timeframe. If the specimen is not tested promptly, it may be rejected.

Preventing Specimen Rejection

While specimen rejection can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to help prevent it from happening:

Follow Instructions Carefully

When your doctor or healthcare provider gives you instructions for collecting a specimen, make sure to follow them carefully. This includes any pre-test instructions such as fasting or avoiding certain medications.

Properly Label the Specimen

When collecting a specimen, make sure to properly label it with your name, date of birth, and any other identifying information that may be required. This will help ensure that the specimen is not rejected due to labeling errors.

Collect an Adequate Quantity

Make sure to collect a sufficient quantity of the specimen to ensure that there is enough material for testing. If you are unsure how much to collect, ask your healthcare provider for guidance.

Handle and Store the Specimen Properly

After collecting the specimen, make sure to handle and store it according to any instructions provided. This may include keeping it at a certain temperature or avoiding exposure to light or air.

Understand Testing Requirements

Before collecting a specimen, make sure you understand the testing requirements. This may include any special preparations that need to be made or specific collection methods that need to be followed.

What to Do If Your Specimen Is Rejected

If your specimen is rejected, don't panic. Contact your healthcare provider or the laboratory where the specimen was collected to find out why it was rejected and what steps need to be taken next. In some cases, you may need to recollect the specimen or have additional testing done.

By following these tips and guidelines, you can help ensure that your laboratory specimen is collected, handled, and tested properly, reducing the risk of rejection and ensuring accurate test results.

For more information on laboratory specimen rejection, check out the following resources:

• Lab News - Laboratory Specimen Rejection
• NCBI - Preventing Specimen Rejection in the Clinical Laboratory
• AACC - Laboratory Specimen Collection

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