List three common reasons a specimen may be rejected before analysis.

Prepare for the CAMLPR Specimen Collection Competency Test. Practice with diverse question sets including multiple-choice and flashcards. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you become proficient before the exam.

Understanding why specimens are rejected before analysis focuses on pre-analytical quality issues that render a sample unusable. The three most common reasons are mislabeling, hemolysis, and improper collection or insufficient volume. Mislabeling creates patient-sample mix-ups that can lead to incorrect results or treatment decisions. Hemolyzed samples occur when red cells rupture, which can alter many test results and interfere with accuracy. Improper collection or not having enough volume means the sample isn’t suitable for all required tests or doesn’t meet the test’s tube type or volume needs, making analysis unreliable or impossible. The other options describe scenarios that reflect good practice (on-time submission, proper labeling, adequate volume) or issues related to test ordering or timing rather than sample quality, so they don’t describe why a specimen would be rejected.