What precaution must be taken when transporting laboratory specimens?

When transporting laboratory specimens, sealing and labeling them properly is essential to ensure their integrity, safety, and accurate identification. Proper sealing prevents contamination and leakage, which can compromise the sample and put personnel and the public at risk. Additionally, accurate labeling provides vital information regarding the specimen, such as patient identification, type of test required, and any special handling instructions. This helps healthcare professionals correctly process and analyze the samples upon arrival at the lab, minimizing the chance of errors.

Transporting specimens at room temperature, allowing them to be carried loosely, or omitting patient information can lead to issues such as degradation of the sample quality, misidentification, and possible violations of privacy and legal regulations. These precautions emphasize the importance of maintaining high standards for handling biological materials to ensure patient safety and reliable laboratory results.