Sample reception in clinical laboratories: a review of specimen acceptance, rejection criteria, And their impact on patient safety

Background: Clinical laboratories contribute to patient safety by providing reliable and timely information for clinical decisions. Sample reception is an important checkpoint for detecting identification discrepancies and unsuitable specimens before testing. Objective: To examine the role of clinical laboratories in patient safety, focusing on sample reception, specimen quality, and implications for diagnostic reliability. Methods: A preliminary critical narrative synthesis was developed using targeted searches of PubMed-indexed records, publisher websites, and authoritative resources. Four primary studies provided quantitative findings, supported by one systematic review and relevant guidance. Findings were organized thematically; no meta-analysis was performed. Results: One study reported 2,178 rejected specimens among 837,862 received (0.26%), with recollection increasing turnaround time by an average of 108 minutes. Common rejection reasons included contamination, unsuitable containers, insufficient quantity, and labeling errors. Three intervention studies reported fewer identification or processing errors following electronic identification and labeling improvements. In one study, processing errors decreased from 0.42% to 0.11%. Evidence primarily addressed process outcomes rather than directly measured diagnostic accuracy or patient harm. Conclusion: The selected evidence supports standardized specimen verification, reliable identification, prompt communication, and quality monitoring. A comprehensive literature search and stronger clinical-outcome research are needed to establish the extent of patient benefit.