Intermediate
Technical
specimen rejection criteria
Standardized parameters used by laboratories to determine when dried blood spot specimens are unsuitable for screening analysis.
Full Definition
Specimen rejection criteria are laboratory-defined standards that identify dried blood spot cards that cannot produce reliable screening results. Common rejection reasons include insufficient blood volume, clotting before application, contamination, excessive age, improper storage conditions, or collection on incorrect filter paper. Rejected specimens require recollection, and laboratories must document specific rejection reasons to enable corrective action and prevent future collection errors.
Usage
Usage note: Ensure specific rejection reasons are documented for quality improvement purposes.
In Context
- "The laboratory applied specimen rejection criteria due to insufficient blood volume." — quality report
- "Clear specimen rejection criteria help maintain screening program quality." — laboratory manual
Also known as
rejection protocols
specimen adequacy standards
Contrasted with
acceptable specimens
Don't confuse with
specimen storage criteria
transport requirements