Specimens may be rejected for a number of
different reasons, including, but not limited to:
-
gross
external contamination
-
inadequate
specimen or unacceptable specimen source
-
dried
swabs
-
improper
transport media
-
improperly
labeled specimen
-
prolonged
transportation or improper storage or handling prior to receipt
in lab.
When
a specimen is received that may be considered unacceptable, the
appropriate nursing unit or clinic is notified and, if appropriate,
another specimen is requested. The unacceptable specimen will
be held in the laboratory for no longer than 8 hours before being
discarded. Specimens not meeting acceptability criteria will be
processed only on the specific request of the ordering physician.
