What can result from collecting specimens in the incorrect order of draw?

Choosing the correct order of draw when collecting blood specimens is crucial to obtaining accurate laboratory results. When specimens are collected in the incorrect order, cross-contamination can occur, where additives from one collection tube contaminate another. For instance, if an EDTA tube is collected before a serum tube, the EDTA can interfere with the tests that are supposed to be run on the serum tube, leading to incorrect results.

Cross-contamination can affect the integrity of certain tests, especially those that require specific conditions to be fulfilled. For example, tests for electrolytes and glucose can show false results if samples are contaminated with anticoagulants from other tubes. This could lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment decisions based on inaccurate lab results.

Moreover, incorrect order of draw may necessitate re-collection of samples, which can cause discomfort for the patient and delays in processing the samples. Proper training and adherence to the established order of draw guidelines are essential in phlebotomy to ensure reliable testing outcomes.