Specimen collection, handling, and processing

Abstract

Specimen collection handling and processing are key to the pre-analytic phase of clinical laboratory testing. In computer jargon, there is an acronym GIGO that stands for garbage in equals garbage out. It is also applicable to clinical laboratory testing. If the proper sample is not collected from the individual to be tested and if the sample is not handled and transported to the laboratory in an efficient and efficacious manner, there will not be usable diagnostic information provided. This chapter deals with the pre-analytic process of sample collection, handling, and processing for diagnostic molecular testing.