What happens if a collection device is not used correctly?

Using a collection device incorrectly can indeed lead to contamination, which is a critical issue in specimen collection. Contamination occurs when unintended substances are introduced into the specimen, which can compromise its integrity and alter test results. This is particularly important in medical and laboratory settings, where even trace amounts of contaminants can interfere with analyses, resulting in false positives or negatives. For example, if a collection swab is not sterile or is handled improperly, it may pick up bacteria from the skin or environment that could corrupt the specimen intended for analysis. Therefore, ensuring proper use of collection devices is fundamental to maintaining sample quality and reliability in test outcomes.