In medical laboratories analytical tests are usually conducted on clinical specimens (e.g. blood or urine) in order to obtain information about the health of a patient as pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a disease. Medical laboratories are thus focused on applied science mainly on a production-like basis, as opposed to research laboratories that focus on basic science on an academic basis.

During specimen collection, blood must be drawn in a specific order to avoid cross-contamination of additives between sample collection (blood collection) tubes. The procedure is the same for all types of tubes or instruments used. It is vital that the order is followed not only to avoid contamination, but also to ensure accuracy of test results. The smallest error could mean that the patient might not receive the most appropriate care and treatment for his specific case.

Next to avoiding cross-contamination and assuring accuracy of test results during the pre-analytical and analytical phase, these elements are also important during the post-analytical storage phase of the blood collection tubes. In case additional tests need to be conducted, a medical laboratory needs to be assured that the sample has not been contaminated during the storage procedure. Novitain now offers the unique Post-Analytical Capping Solution to ensure sample integrity during storage.