Guidelines to avoid blood sample cross-contamination are critical for ensuring accurate test results in clinical, forensic, and research settings. Cross-contamination—transfer of foreign material between samples—renders data unreliable, so these protocols focus on sterile practices and strict workflow controls.
Core Guidelines
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Sterile Tool Use: Employ single-use, pre-sterilized采血工具 (needles, vacutainers, lancets); discard after each sample.
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Hand & PPE Protocols: Wash hands between samples; wear fresh gloves, masks, and gowns to prevent skin contact transfer.
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Sample Isolation: Use separate workspaces for each sample; seal containers immediately after collection to avoid spillage.
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Decontamination: Clean benchtops, equipment, and surfaces with disinfectant (e.g., 70% ethanol) between samples.
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Proper Labeling: Tag samples with unique IDs before collection; never reuse labels or mix sample containers.
Key Features
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Preventive Focus: Stops contamination at every workflow stage, not just post-event.
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User-Friendly: Simple, actionable steps for personnel with basic training.
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Result Reliability: Eliminates false positives/negatives from external material transfer.
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Compliance-Aligned: Meets standards like CLIA, ISO 15189 for lab accreditation.
Scope & Applications
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Clinical Diagnostics: Ensures accurate patient blood tests (CBC, chemistry panels) for treatment decisions.
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Forensic Science: Preserves blood evidence integrity for DNA profiling and legal admissibility.
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Research Labs: Maintains purity of blood samples for experimental consistency.
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Blood Banking: Prevents donor blood contamination during collection and storage.