The Laboratory may reject specimens if it is determined that testing the specimen could yield unreliable results and lead to detrimental misinterpretation of the test results.

 

Rejection Procedure

  1. The specimen receiving staff will call and inform the healthcare personnel who submitted the specimen.
  2. The reason for rejection will be recorded on the test requisition form.
  3. The specimen will be returned to the requester.

If the requester insists on proceeding with the test, the laboratory will perform the diagnostic test as usual but will print the details of the unsuitable condition of the specimen on the final report form.

 

Criteria for Specimen Rejection are as follows:

  1. Incorrect labeling: The patient’s name on the test request form does not match the name on the specimen container, or the specimen container is unlabeled.
  2. Submission without a test request form.
  3. Improper container or anticoagulant: Specimens collected in inappropriate containers or using anticoagulants not specified by the laboratory.
  4. Specimen spillage or damaged container: Spillage of the specimen onto the container or test request form, or breakage of the container.
  5. Improper temperature or delayed transport: Specimens not stored at the appropriate temperature or transported beyond the time limits set by the laboratory.
  6. Insufficient specimen volume.
  7. Specimens arriving later than the laboratory’s acceptable time frame.
  8. Hemolysis or turbidity: Specimens exhibiting hemolysis above the acceptable limit or turbidity due to bacterial contamination.
  9. Unsuitable tube cap: Specimen containers with inappropriate caps.
  10. Specimen type not in accordance with test requirements.