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Brigham & Women's Hospital Clinical Pathology & Laboratories

Specimen Rejection Policy

The guidelines listed below are followed by laboratory personnel to identify improper or inadequate specimens that offer the possibility of inaccurate results. Before any specimen is rejected, the outpatient practice or inpatient floor or physician is contacted. Every effort will be made to resolve problems and testing may proceed if acceptable identifying information or explanations are received.  Any test that is ordered but not performed will either not be billed to the appropriate payer, or will be credited.
  1. Improperly labeled or unlabeled specimens. 
  2. Specimen in which quantity is not sufficient for processing. 
  3. Leaking specimen or specimen not received in collection container recommended in the Test Dictionary. 
  4. Specimen received without orders or requisition. 
  5. Specimen received where the specimen and the requisition are incompatible. 
  6. Hemolyzed blood specimen, depending on the particular analysis. 
  7. Specimens not transported/held in the proper holding environment.