What do specimen rejection criteria ensure?

Specimen rejection criteria play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and reliability of laboratory testing. These criteria ensure that specimens are suitable for testing by establishing specific guidelines regarding acceptable conditions under which specimens must be collected, handled, and transported. For instance, factors such as inappropriate collection methods, use of the wrong type of container, or improper storage conditions can all compromise the quality of a specimen.

When specimens do not meet these acceptance standards, they may yield inaccurate results, which can lead to misdiagnosis or improper treatment plans. By adhering to rejection criteria, laboratories can effectively filter out specimens that are likely to produce unreliable or invalid test results, thereby ensuring that only high-quality specimens are utilized for testing purposes. This emphasis on specimen integrity is essential in contributing to accurate diagnostics and patient safety.