What is the primary consequence of cross-contamination in blood specimen collection?

The primary consequence of cross-contamination in blood specimen collection is that it can cause inaccurate test results. Cross-contamination occurs when foreign substances or materials mix with a blood sample, which can originate from various sources, such as contamination from the skin during venipuncture, improper cleaning of the site, or contamination from equipment used in the collection process.

When cross-contamination happens, it can introduce additional elements such as different biochemical markers, cells, or other substances that are not present in the original sample. This misrepresentation can lead to erroneous interpretations of the test results, which ultimately affects the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. Accurate test outcomes are crucial for effective medical decision-making, which is why preventing cross-contamination is paramount in phlebotomy practices.

Other potential consequences, while they may seem relevant, do not have the same level of impact on the integrity of the test results. For example, longer processing time might occur due to the need for retesting because of suspect results, but it is not a direct consequence of the contamination itself. Similarly, improving test validity is not a possibility when cross-contamination is present, and while reduced sample volume could occur in some situations, it does not directly relate to the fundamental issue of result