Which is an example of a pre-analytical error during specimen handling?

• A. A correctly labeled specimen.
• B. Hemolyzed sample due to rough handling.
• C. Instrument calibration performed before testing.
• D. Results posted within the expected turnaround time.

Answer: (B)

Pre-analytical errors are problems that occur before the actual analysis, during how the specimen is collected, handled, or transported. Hemolyzed samples from rough handling are a classic example because the physical trauma to red blood cells happens before the testing begins and directly affects the integrity of the specimen. When cells rupture, intracellular contents leak into the serum or plasma, skewing test results (such as potassium or other measured analytes) and potentially leading to inaccurate conclusions. This is why that choice represents a pre-analytical error during specimen handling.

A correctly labeled specimen shows proper handling, not an error. Instrument calibration performed before testing relates to the instrument’s performance rather than the specimen itself, and results posted within the expected turnaround time concerns reporting, not the specimen’s handling.