This question is based on the paper "Tenets of Specimen Management in Diagnostic Microbiology" by Rajeshwar Reddy Kasarla and Laxmi Pathak. The article stated that optimal specimen collection enhances the capabilities of diagnostic reporting and covered specimen management procedures and specific concepts required for collecting specimens to perform successful diagnosis in a microbiology laboratory. As a result, this query aims to determine other possible factors that could hinder and invalid a microbiology result.
The significance of specimen precaution and collection in microbiology reporting lies in their direct influence on the accuracy and reliability of test results. Contamination, misidentification, and inaccurate results can occur due to improper specimen collection, leading to compromised patient safety, quality assurance issues, and legal/ethical implications. Ensuring proper collection protocols is crucial for maintaining the validity and reliability of microbiology testing, impacting patient care, public health surveillance, and regulatory compliance.
Ensuring proper specimen precaution and collection is essential for maintaining the quality and reliability of microbiology reporting, which ultimately impact the tests done on the patient to yield false results significantly affecting patient outcomes.
Other possible factors that could hinder and invalidate a microbiology result:
1. Incorrect sample types received:
- Basic incorrect blood tube/other sample.
- Samples without the appropriate preservative
- Samples that are received ambient, when a frozen sample is required.
- Samples that are received unprotected from light, when they are required to be covered at the point of venipuncture.
2. The sample is not specific to the microbiology lab cannot accept samples in non-sterile containers or in formalin.
3. Sample is too old: Samples collected for bacterial and/or fungal examination may experience organism overgrowth, leading to inaccurate results. Any of the following samples received more than 72 hours after collection will be declined:
- Ear, ulcer, and wound swabs
- Urine, sputum, and stool samples.
These are only some instances that could result in an invalid microbiology result. In general, labs should establish standardized procedures, provide training, implement quality control measures, track specimens, optimize transport conditions, provide suitable containers, and adhere to regulatory guidelines to ensure the best patient outcome.
Reference:
Tille, P. (2015). Bailey & Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology - E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Certain practices should be done to reduce potential risks from factors which can affect the tests in the laboratory. According to a review by Gloucestershire Hospitals, the following factors may affect the accuracy of microbiology tests: Improper sample containers are not tested and may include contaminants, delays in collection time allows for contamination to develop and lead to misleading results, usage of expired transport medium which will not allow processing of specimen, sample without full clinical details may cause a delay in testing which can affect the sample. Additionally there is also the possibility of cross-contamination in the laboratory, faulty equipment, variability in testing methods, high workload, poor management support, shortage of supplies and reagents, and lack of equipment which all depends on the staff and the laboratory itself. These circumstances are only a handful of what laboratories encounter in reality, which is why it is important to be well informed and apply the standardized laboratory procedures to ensure quality and reliable laboratory results with fast turnaround time.
Lewis, J. (2022). Factors affecting microbiology tests. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Retrieved from https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/media/documents/MICHC_091_Factors_Affecting_Microbiology_Tests_V1.2.pdf
Fenta DA, Ali MM (2020). Factors Affecting Quality of Laboratory Result During Ordering, Handling, and Testing of the Patient's Specimen at Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Science Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. J Multidiscip Healthc. Retreieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7450655/#cit0035
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Social Psychology
- Attitude