Why a Lab May Ask for a Fresh Sample

A lab may ask for a fresh sample when the first one is clotted, too small, in the wrong tube, wrongly labelled, leaking or too old. Such a sample can give a result that looks real but is wrong, so a careful lab would rather ask again than report something unreliable. A repeat collection is not a mistake on your part; it protects your animal.

What makes a sample unsuitable?

Each kind of sample has its own weak points.

• Clotted blood where unclotted blood is needed. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) must be done on EDTA blood that has not clotted, because clots trap the cells and spoil the counts.
• Haemolysed blood, where red cells have burst. The serum turns pink or red, and some results, such as potassium and some liver values, can be changed.
• Lipaemic blood, which is milky because of fat, and can interfere with some measurements.
• Too little sample, when there is not enough to run the test or to repeat it.
• The wrong tube, such as a plain tube for a test that needs a preservative.
• Wrong or missing labels, because the lab must be certain whose sample it is.
• A leaking or damaged container.
• A sample that is too old, which has changed while it waited.

Why does age matter so much?

Living material keeps changing after it leaves the body. In urine, cells break down, crystals form and bacteria multiply. A Urine Routine on stale urine can show crystals or germs that were not there when it was passed. In stool, some eggs hatch and some parasites die, so a Stool Routine on an old sample can miss them. Blood cells and smears change too. Keeping samples cool and bringing them quickly helps, and the lab will tell you how long each test can wait.

Which tests are fussiest?

Clotting tests are among the most particular. The Coagulation Profile (PT, APTT & Fibrinogen) needs blood in a citrate tube filled exactly to the line, with a gentle, clean collection so that the sample does not clot. Even a small under-fill changes the result. Always ask the lab which tube and how much blood each test needs before the sample is taken.

What does the lab do with an unsuitable sample?

Depending on the test, the lab may reject the sample and ask for a new one, recommend a different test, go ahead and report with a note about the problem if that is technically sensible, or ask the reporting laboratory what to do. It will not pretend that a poor sample is reliable because the test was paid for. A replacement may need a new collection or transport, and whether any charge or refund applies is covered by the Refund and Cancellation Policy.

How can you avoid a repeat?

• Ask the lab, before you collect, which tube or container each test needs.
• Fill tubes to the mark, and mix EDTA tubes gently by turning them over, never by shaking hard.
• Label every container with the animal's name or number, the date and the time, and use a pen that does not smudge.
• Seal the container tightly and put it in a plastic bag.
• Keep the sample cool, not frozen, unless the lab says otherwise.
• Bring or send it quickly, and tell the lab when it was collected.

What if it happens anyway?

Do not worry. Call the lab, and arrange a fresh collection. For an animal that is difficult to sample, your vet can help, and it is worth asking your vet before the next attempt how to draw and handle each sample. A registered veterinarian still reads the final report with your animal's signs and history.

Read next

If your samples travel from another city, Sending Samples to the Bhopal Lab From Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior explains packing and labelling. For where to find your report, see Online Lab Reports: My Reports and WhatsApp, How It Works.

Testing in Bhopal

Sample collection is free anywhere in Bhopal, and the collector brings the right tubes. The lab at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Call or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 if you are unsure about a tube or a container.