Which statement best describes the procedures for samples showing damage, contamination, or inadequate preservation?

• A. Disregard and proceed with analysis.
• B. Procedures to address damage, contamination, or inadequate preservation.
• C. Discard the sample immediately.
• D. Re-collect only if the client requests.

Answer: (B)

When a sample shows damage, contamination, or inadequate preservation, the priority is to protect data integrity by following established procedures designed for these issues. Labs rely on written SOPs that specify how to handle compromised specimens: quarantining the sample, documenting the condition and the specifics of what happened, assessing whether the damage affects the validity of the results, and deciding whether the sample can be salvaged, requires re-collection, or must be discarded. This systematic approach ensures consistent decisions, preserves traceability, and meets quality and regulatory requirements.

Choosing this approach is best because it prevents erroneous results from being produced or reported, and it provides a clear path for corrective action. Simply proceeding with analysis without addressing the damage risks invalid conclusions. Discarding the sample without following procedures could waste resources and miss an opportunity to salvage usable data. Re-collection should occur only when the procedure deems it necessary, not merely at the client’s request.