Specimen container:
(1) inappropriate for specimen or test, including failure to use special collection kits
(2) expired transport media
(3) leakage during transport
(4) improper transport conditions (frozen, not refrigerated, etc.)
(5) unlabeled or improperly labeled
Specimen:
(1) insufficient volume
(2) hemolyzed or clotted
(3) improperly processed prior to transport
(4) inappropriate for analysis requested
(5) no specimen received
(6) contain an unacceptable additive or preservative
Requisition related:
(1) no test requisition with specimen
(2) sample type not specified
(3) source not specified
(4) incomplete or incorrect (patient identification, contact information, etc.)
(5) testing not specified
Whenever a specimen or requisition is rejected, the reason should be documented and the originating office notified immediately.
Some rejections are not absolute. If a specimen or requisition is missing, it may be found on examination of the transport containers or after checking with the originating site.
Sometimes testing may be done on an unacceptable specimen for a variety of reasons. In such cases a disclaimer should be included describing the circumstances and the possible impact on the analysis.
