Name one reason why a specimen might be rejected for testing.

Improper labeling is a critical reason why a specimen might be rejected for testing. Accurate labeling is essential in the medical field to ensure that the correct patient is associated with the correct test results. A specimen that is not labeled properly can lead to misidentification, which can ultimately affect patient care, leading to incorrect diagnoses and treatment plans.

When specimens are received in the laboratory, they must have clear and accurate labels indicating pertinent information, such as patient name, identification number, the type of specimen, and the date and time of collection. If any of this information is missing or incorrect, laboratory personnel may not be able to reliably determine the source of the specimen or its intended use. This creates a significant risk of error, which is why specimens with labeling issues are typically rejected to uphold patient safety and accuracy in laboratory results.