Particular color-coded assortment tubes are important in hematology for correct blood evaluation. These tubes comprise anticoagulants or different components that protect blood samples, stopping clotting or initiating particular reactions crucial for downstream testing. For instance, lavender-top tubes usually comprise EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and are used for full blood counts (CBCs), whereas mild blue-top tubes containing sodium citrate are used for coagulation research.
The constant software of those shade requirements is essential for minimizing pre-analytical errors within the laboratory. Appropriate tube choice ensures that the suitable anticoagulant is current, thus guaranteeing the integrity of the blood pattern and the reliability of check outcomes. This standardization enhances affected person security by lowering the chance of misdiagnosis or inappropriate remedy choices. Traditionally, variations in tube components led to inconsistencies in outcomes, highlighting the significance of the now-standardized color-coding system.
The next sections will elaborate on the widespread shade designations utilized in hematology, detailing the precise components inside every tube, the checks for which they’re indicated, and the right order of draw to forestall cross-contamination between components. This complete overview goals to make clear greatest practices in blood assortment for correct hematological evaluation.
1. Components
The defining attribute of every hematology check tube shade resides within the particular additive it accommodates. These components will not be merely incidental; they’re functionally essential for preserving blood samples and enabling correct evaluation. A direct causal relationship exists: the additive dictates the blood’s response and, due to this fact, the ensuing hematological parameters that may be reliably measured. As an illustration, the presence of EDTA in lavender-top tubes prevents coagulation by binding calcium ions, preserving mobile morphology important for a whole blood depend. With out EDTA, clotting would render the pattern unusable for this check, showcasing the additive’s direct influence.
The sensible significance of understanding this relationship extends to medical decision-making. A misidentification of tube shade, resulting in the wrong additive getting used, can invalidate check outcomes and probably result in misdiagnosis. For instance, if a blue-top tube meant for coagulation research had been mistakenly used for a CBC, the sodium citrate would alter mobile traits, offering an inaccurate cell depend and probably triggering pointless additional investigations or therapies. Due to this fact, strict adherence to established color-additive pairings is non-negotiable in hematological testing.
In abstract, the color-coding of hematology check tubes serves as a visible cue immediately linked to the additive current inside. This method minimizes errors, preserves pattern integrity, and ensures the accuracy of downstream hematological evaluation. The problem lies in sustaining constant adherence to those requirements throughout all healthcare settings and commonly reinforcing this information amongst phlebotomists and laboratory personnel to uphold affected person security and diagnostic reliability.
2. Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are vital elements inside particular hematology check tubes. Their main perform is to forestall blood from clotting, thereby preserving the integrity of mobile components and permitting for correct evaluation. The choice of a selected anticoagulant is immediately linked to the colour designation of the gathering tube, indicating its meant use in particular hematological checks.
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EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)
EDTA is a extensively used anticoagulant in hematology, discovered usually in lavender or purple-top tubes. It capabilities by chelating calcium ions, that are important for the coagulation cascade. Blood collected in EDTA tubes is primarily used for full blood counts (CBCs), reticulocyte counts, and erythrocyte sedimentation charge (ESR) checks. The preserved mobile morphology ensures correct cell counting and differentiation.
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Sodium Citrate
Sodium citrate is one other key anticoagulant, usually present in mild blue-top tubes. It additionally works by binding calcium, however its focus is decrease than that of EDTA. Sodium citrate tubes are primarily used for coagulation research, akin to prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). The reversible nature of citrate anticoagulation permits for subsequent calcium re-addition to provoke the clotting course of in vitro, enabling correct measurement of clotting occasions.
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Heparin
Heparin, out there in green-top tubes, inhibits coagulation by activating antithrombin III, which then inactivates a number of clotting elements. Heparinized blood is commonly used for sure specialised checks, akin to chromosomal evaluation, HLA typing, and a few specialised chemistry checks. Nevertheless, heparin is mostly prevented for routine hematology checks like CBCs, as it could trigger clumping of platelets.
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Citrate Phosphate Dextrose (CPD)
CPD is utilized in blood assortment baggage for blood donation and transfusion functions. It prevents coagulation and supplies vitamins to keep up the viability of crimson blood cells throughout storage. The citrate binds calcium, phosphate buffers pH, and dextrose supplies power for the cells. CPD is crucial for preserving the standard of donated blood elements for transfusion.
The presence and sort of anticoagulant immediately affect the end result of hematological checks. The particular color-coding system related to assortment tubes ensures that the proper anticoagulant is used for the meant evaluation, minimizing pre-analytical errors and sustaining the reliability of check outcomes. Understanding the mechanism of motion and software of every anticoagulant is essential for correct laboratory diagnostics and efficient affected person care.
3. Shade coding
Shade coding of blood assortment tubes is a standardized system integral to correct and environment friendly hematological testing. This method supplies rapid visible identification of tube contents, particularly anticoagulants and components, essential for pre-analytical pattern preparation.
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Additive Identification
The first perform of shade coding is to indicate the precise additive current inside every tube. For instance, lavender-top tubes persistently point out the presence of EDTA, whereas mild blue-top tubes signify sodium citrate. This visible affiliation minimizes the chance of choosing an inappropriate tube for a given check, thus stopping pattern contamination or invalidation.
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Check Specificity
Completely different hematological checks require totally different anticoagulants to make sure correct outcomes. Shade coding immediately hyperlinks a particular tube shade to its applicable check. Coagulation research, as an example, require sodium citrate to protect clotting elements; due to this fact, a lightweight blue-top tube is crucial. Conversely, full blood counts require EDTA in lavender-top tubes to forestall clotting whereas sustaining mobile integrity. Deviations from this protocol can result in inaccurate outcomes and probably misinformed medical choices.
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Order of Draw Compliance
The established order of draw dictates the sequence wherein blood assortment tubes needs to be stuffed. This order minimizes the potential for cross-contamination of components between tubes, which might skew check outcomes. Shade coding facilitates adherence to the proper order of draw by offering a visible cue, aiding phlebotomists in deciding on the suitable tube at every step of the gathering course of.
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Discount of Pre-Analytical Errors
Pre-analytical errors, which happen earlier than the precise testing part, are a big supply of laboratory inaccuracies. Shade coding performs a vital function in minimizing these errors by offering a transparent and unambiguous technique for figuring out tube contents and meant use. This reduces the chance of incorrect tube choice, insufficient mixing, or improper storage, all of which might compromise pattern integrity and result in unreliable outcomes.
In abstract, shade coding inside hematology blood assortment isn’t merely a superficial function however a elementary side of high quality assurance. It ensures right additive utilization, facilitates correct check execution, enforces order of draw compliance, and minimizes pre-analytical errors, all contributing to correct hematological evaluation and dependable medical decision-making.
4. Check particular
The choice of a particular blood assortment tube in hematology is intrinsically linked to the meant diagnostic check. The colour-coding system related to these tubes serves as a direct indicator of the additive current, which in flip dictates the kind of evaluation that may be precisely carried out. A cause-and-effect relationship exists: the check requirement dictates the mandatory additive, and the additive is represented by a particular tube shade. For instance, a whole blood depend (CBC) mandates the preservation of mobile morphology, necessitating using EDTA as an anticoagulant. Consequently, a lavender-top tube, containing EDTA, turns into the suitable selection for CBC pattern assortment. This specificity isn’t arbitrary; it’s primarily based on the biochemical compatibility between the additive and the analytical necessities of the check.
The significance of “Check particular” as a element of “hematology check tube colours” can’t be overstated. It represents a vital management level within the pre-analytical part of laboratory testing. Contemplate the state of affairs the place coagulation research are required. These checks measure the blood’s skill to clot and necessitate the presence of sodium citrate, which reversibly binds calcium, stopping coagulation till the check is initiated. A lightweight blue-top tube, containing sodium citrate, is due to this fact important. Utilizing a special tube, akin to a green-top tube containing heparin, would introduce an inappropriate anticoagulant, rendering the pattern unsuitable for coagulation evaluation and producing probably deceptive outcomes. The medical implications of such an error may be vital, probably resulting in incorrect diagnoses or inappropriate remedy plans.
In abstract, the color-coded blood assortment system in hematology is designed to make sure that the suitable additive is used for every particular check. This linkage between tube shade, additive, and check requirement is key for sustaining pattern integrity and producing correct, dependable outcomes. Challenges come up when personnel will not be adequately skilled or when protocols will not be strictly adopted, highlighting the continuing want for schooling and adherence to established requirements. The ‘check particular’ element is an important side of the general system, immediately impacting the standard of hematological evaluation and affected person care.
5. Order of draw
The sequence wherein blood assortment tubes are stuffed, generally termed the “order of draw,” is critically intertwined with the color-coding system utilized in hematology. This prescribed order isn’t arbitrary however is designed to reduce the potential for cross-contamination of components between tubes. Failure to stick to the right order can introduce contaminants into subsequent tubes, altering check outcomes and compromising diagnostic accuracy. The trigger lies within the needle’s switch of minute quantities of additive from one tube to the following in the course of the assortment course of. The impact is skewed or inaccurate check outcomes that may result in misdiagnosis and inappropriate affected person administration. As an illustration, if a tube containing EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is drawn earlier than a coagulation tube containing sodium citrate, the EDTA can contaminate the citrate tube, inhibiting coagulation and falsely prolonging clotting occasions.
The significance of order of draw as a element of hematology check tube colours rests in its perform as a safeguard towards pre-analytical error. Contemplate a real-life state of affairs: a affected person requiring each a whole blood depend (CBC) and coagulation research has blood drawn within the incorrect order. The EDTA from the CBC tube contaminates the coagulation tube, resulting in falsely elevated prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) outcomes. Clinicians, unaware of the contamination, might misread these outcomes as indicative of a clotting dysfunction, probably resulting in pointless anticoagulant remedy. The sensible significance of understanding and adhering to the order of draw is due to this fact immediately linked to affected person security and correct analysis.
In abstract, the order of draw is an important procedural ingredient tightly linked to the color-coding of hematology check tubes. It mitigates the chance of additive cross-contamination, thereby safeguarding the integrity of blood samples and the reliability of check outcomes. Challenges to constant adherence typically stem from insufficient coaching or procedural lapses; due to this fact, common reinforcement of correct blood assortment methods is paramount to sustaining high quality laboratory diagnostics and making certain optimum affected person care. Strict adherence to the established order of draw tips stays a cornerstone of correct hematological testing.
6. Cross-contamination
Cross-contamination throughout blood assortment represents a big menace to the accuracy and reliability of hematological testing. The colour-coding system, whereas designed to reduce errors, can’t remove the chance of contamination if correct phlebotomy methods will not be meticulously adopted.
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Additive Carryover
Additive carryover happens when hint quantities of components from one blood assortment tube are transferred to a subsequent tube in the course of the blood draw course of. That is primarily a consequence of the needle’s passage by means of a number of tubes with out correct cleaning or when the order of draw is violated. The transferred additive can then intrude with the meant evaluation within the contaminated tube, resulting in faulty outcomes.
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Coagulation Interference
One distinguished instance of cross-contamination entails EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) from lavender-top tubes affecting coagulation research carried out on samples collected in mild blue-top tubes containing sodium citrate. EDTA’s potent anticoagulant properties can inhibit the coagulation cascade, resulting in falsely extended clotting occasions. This can lead to misdiagnosis of bleeding problems and inappropriate anticoagulant remedy.
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Hematological Parameter Skewing
Cross-contamination also can skew hematological parameters measured in full blood counts (CBCs). As an illustration, if a tube containing heparin is drawn earlier than an EDTA tube, the heparin can intrude with platelet aggregation, probably resulting in an artificially low platelet depend. This can lead to misdiagnosis of thrombocytopenia and probably result in pointless investigations.
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Mitigation Methods
Minimizing cross-contamination requires strict adherence to the established order of draw, which prioritizes tubes with essentially the most delicate assays and people most vulnerable to additive interference. Correct phlebotomy approach, together with full tube filling and delicate mixing, additional reduces the chance. Moreover, using safety-engineered blood assortment units and rigorous workers coaching are important elements of a complete cross-contamination prevention technique.
The connection between cross-contamination and the color-coding of hematology check tubes underscores the significance of standardized protocols and meticulous approach. Whereas the color-coding system supplies a visible information for correct tube choice, it’s finally the accountability of healthcare professionals to make sure that blood assortment is carried out in a way that minimizes the chance of additive carryover and preserves the integrity of the pattern. Failure to take action can have vital penalties for affected person care.
7. Pattern integrity
Pattern integrity, within the context of hematology, is essentially depending on the proper use of color-coded blood assortment tubes. The integrity of a blood pattern refers to its suitability for correct evaluation, reflecting the diploma to which its composition and properties mirror these of the affected person’s circulating blood on the time of assortment. A direct causal hyperlink exists: inappropriate tube choice, indicated by deviation from the established shade code, results in compromised pattern integrity and probably faulty check outcomes. As an illustration, if a lavender-top tube (containing EDTA) is used for a coagulation examine, the EDTA will irreversibly bind calcium, stopping clot formation and invalidating the outcomes. In distinction, if a lightweight blue-top tube (containing sodium citrate) is used for a whole blood depend, the mobile morphology could also be altered, affecting cell counts and differentials.
The significance of pattern integrity as a element of hematology check tube colours resides in its direct influence on diagnostic accuracy and, consequently, affected person care. An actual-life instance illustrates this level: a affected person presenting with suspected anemia requires a whole blood depend. If the phlebotomist, attributable to insufficient coaching or a procedural lapse, makes use of a tube aside from the lavender-top tube containing EDTA, the blood might clot, rendering the pattern unsuitable for evaluation. This state of affairs necessitates a repeat blood draw, delaying analysis and probably growing affected person nervousness. In conditions the place well timed analysis is vital, akin to in instances of acute leukemia or extreme infections, compromised pattern integrity can considerably influence affected person outcomes.
In abstract, the color-coded system for hematology blood assortment tubes serves as a main mechanism for making certain pattern integrity. Adherence to this method is essential for sustaining the accuracy and reliability of hematological testing. Whereas the colour code supplies a visible information for applicable tube choice, ongoing coaching and strict adherence to standardized protocols are important to reduce pre-analytical errors and safeguard pattern integrity. The challenges lie in sustaining constant adherence to those requirements throughout numerous healthcare settings and reinforcing data amongst personnel to uphold affected person security and diagnostic accuracy.
8. Laboratory accuracy
Laboratory accuracy in hematology is inextricably linked to the constant and proper use of color-coded blood assortment tubes. These tubes, every containing particular components, are designed to keep up pattern integrity and facilitate exact evaluation. The choice of the suitable tube primarily based on its shade is a vital determinant of outcome validity.
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Additive-Particular Evaluation
The colour of a blood assortment tube signifies the presence of a particular additive, which is chosen primarily based on the kind of hematological evaluation required. As an illustration, EDTA in lavender-top tubes prevents coagulation, preserving mobile morphology for full blood counts. Deviation from this normal compromises cell counts and differentials, impacting diagnostic accuracy.
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Pre-Analytical Error Mitigation
Shade-coded tubes mitigate pre-analytical errors, that are a big supply of laboratory inaccuracies. The visible cue supplied by the colour reduces the chance of utilizing the unsuitable tube, minimizing pattern contamination and degradation. Adherence to the color-coding system is a main protection towards errors occurring earlier than testing begins.
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Standardized Protocol Adherence
Laboratory accuracy depends on strict adherence to standardized protocols that incorporate the color-coding system. These protocols dictate the proper order of draw and tube choice for numerous checks, making certain constant pattern dealing with and minimizing variability. Non-compliance will increase the chance of inaccurate outcomes and potential misdiagnosis.
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High quality Management and Assurance
The colour-coding system is an integral element of laboratory high quality management and assurance applications. Common audits and coaching periods reinforce the significance of right tube utilization, contributing to a tradition of accuracy. Proficiency testing typically contains assessments of tube choice data, highlighting its significance.
The aspects described above collectively illustrate how the color-coded blood assortment system immediately impacts laboratory accuracy in hematology. Appropriate tube choice, as guided by shade, is paramount for sustaining pattern integrity, minimizing pre-analytical errors, making certain adherence to standardized protocols, and upholding high quality management requirements. The challenges lie in sustaining constant adherence to those requirements throughout all healthcare settings and commonly reinforcing this information amongst personnel. Correct hematological evaluation and, by extension, knowledgeable affected person care rely on it.
9. Pre-analytical errors
Pre-analytical errors, occurring earlier than the precise testing part in a laboratory, symbolize a big supply of inaccuracy in hematological outcomes. These errors ceaselessly come up from the improper choice or dealing with of blood assortment tubes, an space immediately linked to the color-coding system utilized in hematology. A cause-and-effect relationship is obvious: incorrect interpretation or software of the colour code results in compromised pattern integrity and, subsequently, flawed analytical outcomes. As an illustration, failing to make use of a lavender-top tube (containing EDTA) for a whole blood depend permits the blood to clot, rendering the pattern unusable and necessitating a repeat assortment. This, in flip, delays analysis and probably impacts affected person care. The reliance on visible cues inherent within the color-coding system implies that human error in the course of the pre-analytical part can immediately undermine the reliability of downstream evaluation.
The significance of pre-analytical error mitigation as a element of “hematology check tube colours” can’t be overstated. Contemplate a medical state of affairs: a affected person presenting with a suspected clotting dysfunction requires coagulation research. If the phlebotomist mistakenly makes use of a green-top tube (containing heparin) as an alternative of a lightweight blue-top tube (containing sodium citrate), the outcomes will probably be invalid. Heparin, a strong anticoagulant, will skew the clotting occasions, probably resulting in misdiagnosis and inappropriate remedy, akin to pointless anticoagulation remedy. The sensible significance of understanding this connection is obvious: rigorous coaching of phlebotomists and laboratory personnel within the right use of color-coded tubes is crucial for minimizing pre-analytical errors and making certain affected person security. Standardization of procedures, common audits of tube choice practices, and implementation of error-tracking programs can additional improve accuracy and cut back the incidence of those pricey errors.
In abstract, pre-analytical errors associated to the misuse of color-coded blood assortment tubes pose a considerable problem to correct hematological testing. The colour-coding system, whereas meant to streamline the method and decrease errors, is susceptible to human elements akin to insufficient coaching and procedural lapses. Addressing this problem requires a multifaceted method encompassing strong coaching applications, stringent adherence to standardized protocols, and ongoing high quality management measures. The purpose is to reduce the chance of pre-analytical errors and make sure the reliability of hematological outcomes, thereby supporting knowledgeable medical decision-making and optimizing affected person outcomes.
Continuously Requested Questions
The next part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the standardized color-coding system utilized for blood assortment tubes in hematology. Understanding these distinctions is essential for correct laboratory testing and affected person care.
Query 1: Why is a particular shade code used for hematology blood assortment tubes?
A standardized color-coding system minimizes pre-analytical errors by offering rapid visible identification of tube contents, particularly anticoagulants or components. This ensures the proper tube is chosen for the meant check, preserving pattern integrity and stopping interference.
Query 2: What does a lavender-top tube signify in hematology?
A lavender-top tube signifies the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), an anticoagulant that binds calcium. These tubes are primarily used for full blood counts (CBCs), reticulocyte counts, and erythrocyte sedimentation charge (ESR) checks, as EDTA preserves mobile morphology.
Query 3: What sort of research are carried out with a lightweight blue-top tube?
Mild blue-top tubes comprise sodium citrate, an anticoagulant used for coagulation research. These research assess the blood’s skill to clot, measuring parameters akin to prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).
Query 4: What are the implications of drawing blood assortment tubes within the incorrect order?
Drawing tubes within the incorrect order can result in cross-contamination of components, probably skewing check outcomes. For instance, EDTA carryover right into a coagulation tube can extend clotting occasions, resulting in misdiagnosis.
Query 5: Is it acceptable to substitute one color-coded tube for an additional if the proper tube is unavailable?
Substitution of tubes isn’t permissible, because the components are test-specific. Utilizing an incorrect tube can compromise pattern integrity and generate faulty outcomes, probably resulting in inappropriate affected person administration.
Query 6: How ought to healthcare professionals guarantee adherence to the color-coding system?
Adherence requires rigorous coaching applications for phlebotomists and laboratory personnel, strict implementation of standardized protocols, and common audits of tube choice practices. Steady schooling reinforces the significance of right tube utilization and minimizes pre-analytical errors.
The constant software of those ideas ensures the reliability and accuracy of hematological testing. Deviations from established color-coding protocols can undermine diagnostic validity and compromise affected person care.
Additional sections will delve into particular purposes and superior concerns concerning blood assortment methods.
Hematology Check Tube Shade Finest Practices
Optimizing accuracy in hematological testing hinges upon adherence to established protocols for blood assortment. The next ideas are designed to bolster vital facets of the color-coding system, thereby minimizing pre-analytical errors and safeguarding diagnostic reliability.
Tip 1: Confirm Expiration Dates: Examine every blood assortment tube for its expiration date prior to make use of. Expired tubes might comprise compromised components, affecting pattern integrity and check outcomes.
Tip 2: Adhere to the Order of Draw: Observe the established order of draw to forestall additive cross-contamination. This minimizes interference and ensures correct outcomes, significantly for coagulation research.
Tip 3: Guarantee Full Tube Filling: Fill every tube to the indicated quantity. Underfilling can alter the additive-to-blood ratio, skewing check outcomes and probably rendering the pattern unusable.
Tip 4: Combine Tubes Gently and Totally: Invert every tube gently and in keeping with the producer’s suggestions instantly after assortment to make sure correct mixing of blood with the additive. Insufficient mixing can result in clotting or faulty measurements.
Tip 5: Keep away from Contamination: Train warning to forestall exterior contamination of blood assortment tubes. Contaminants can intrude with the meant evaluation and invalidate check outcomes.
Tip 6: Common Coaching and Competency Assessments: Implement routine coaching periods and competency assessments for phlebotomists and laboratory personnel. Reinforce data of correct tube choice and dealing with methods.
Tip 7: Visible Inspection of Tube Integrity: Prior to make use of, visually examine every tube for any indicators of harm, akin to cracks or leaks. Compromised tubes shouldn’t be used, as they could compromise pattern integrity.
The constant software of those greatest practices will decrease pre-analytical variability, guarantee pattern integrity, and improve the accuracy of hematological testing. Correct utilization of color-coded blood assortment tubes is key for dependable diagnostic outcomes and optimum affected person care.
The next concluding part will summarize the important thing ideas mentioned all through this doc and emphasize the continuing significance of adherence to standardized protocols in hematology.
Conclusion
This doc has totally explored the vital function of color-coded assortment units in hematology. It has examined the precise components inside every tube, the checks for which they’re indicated, the potential for cross-contamination, and the significance of adherence to the proper order of draw. The colour designations will not be arbitrary; they’re immediately linked to the performance of the tube and the integrity of the pattern obtained.
The standardization represented by “hematology check tube colours” is a cornerstone of correct diagnostic testing. Ongoing schooling and rigorous adherence to established protocols are paramount to reduce pre-analytical errors and guarantee affected person security. The diagnostic course of depends upon the precision afforded by this method; its continued effectiveness rests on the diligence and experience of those that put it to use.
