While every laboratory and testing center should have high standards, it is possible for a blood test result to be wrong. There are several factors that can cause an error somewhere in the analytical process.
No one on purpose makes a mistake, but everyone involved in the analytical process should do their best to avoid any errors. But errors do happen, sometimes!
Can a blood test result be wrong? Sometimes, a blood test result may be wrong. The aim is to be correct every time, but sometimes errors take place. People, equipment, and testing materials can all, at times, lead to a wrong result. The job of personnel, though, is to pick up on the errors and rectify them before results go out. But, sometimes, even then, something may pass the eye.
Here are several factors that can lead to a blood test result being wrong:
1. Mislabeling of Sample
Every now and then a phlebotomist may mistakenly mislabel a sample. That is putting the wrong name on the sample, which means that the blood in the tube is another person’s. If the mistake is not realized early on, then it is very likely that the sample could be process for the wrong person (name).
The results obtained for that sample is actually accurate but the wrong name was put on it, so therefore, it is the result for somebody else and not the name on it.
If the laboratory doesn’t pick up on the mistake, the individual or doctor who receives the result may notice the error when comparing the result to other past tests they did. However, if both persons are healthy and their results are within normal ranges, then no one may pick up on the error.
2. Lab Technician Errors
Lab technicians may make mistakes sometimes when processing samples. It is possible for an error to occur when working with hundreds of samples every day but there are mechanisms put in place to minimized errors and help technicians keep to high standards.
The trustworthiness of a laboratory is dependent on its workers adhering to established policies and following high standards.
3. Faulty Testing Materials or Kits
False-positives and false-negatives may occur with testing kits. A “positive” result means that you have what the test is testing for. A “negative” result means that you don’t have what the test is looking for.
A “false-positive” is when a lab result says you have something or something is present, when you don’t actually have it. And a “false-negative” is when a lab result says you don’t have something, when you actually have it.
These results happen with tests like the rapid Covid-19 test kits and urine pregnancy test kits. If you got tested and you know that the result you received is wrong or sense that something is probably not right, go back to your doctor or lab and let them know. Most likely they will redo the test.
There is also the option of doing the test at another lab.
4. Storage and Transportation
If specimen are not stored and transported correctly, test accuracy may be hindered. Every test has its own specifications for how it is to be stored and transported. These have to be followed strictly. If not, then the specimen may be affected and thus results may not be accurate.
Not storing and transporting samples properly can lead to a wrong result. In order words, the result obtained may not be the true result for that person since the sample may have been affected during storage and transport.
5. Timing
Test results can be affected by the time the test is done. Some tests need to be done at a certain time or after a certain length of time. For example, the flu test is most accurate when it’s done within 3 to 4 days after symptoms first appear. Outside of this window, test results tend to be less accurate.
Pregnancy tests have to be done at a certain time also for the best accuracy.
Other tests, too, have a suitable period for when they should be done. Specimen can only stay for so long in storage. After the allotted time, whether it’s a few days or weeks, the specimen quality degrades and if tested results can be less accurate.
6. Food and Drink
Your doctor or lab may ask you to fast when doing certain tests like Fasting Blood Sugar or Lipids. That is because food and drink can elevate the results.
When your lab or doctor ask you to fast, be sure to follow their instructions and do what they tell you. If you don’t, test results could be affected.
Some tests, also, have very specific instructions like a sputum test or certain hormone tests. It is important that you follow the instructions given in order to avoid erroneous test results.
7. Certain Medications
Some medications can affect certain blood tests and as a result if you have to do one of these tests and you are taking these medications, your doctor may ask you to stop the medication before doing the test.
It is important to always follow instructions and do what the lab or your doctor request. Doing so will ensure you get the best results.
Most labs, if not all, have systems and procedures in place to avoid mistakes and pick up on errors if any before sending out lab test results. Either in the pre-analytical, analytical or post-analytical phase, an error will be seen if there is any and corrected.
If you do get your results and notice there is an error or maybe the results don’t reflect what you know about your health, contact your doctor or the lab and let them know what you think.
How do I make sure my blood test is accurate?
Follow all instructions given to you. If you are asked to fast or not drink anything, then do so. If you are told to be at the lab at a specific time, then keep that time.
The number one thing you can do is to follow instructions given to you by your doctor or lab. Once you do so, you are ensuring that your result will be accurate.
Here are four other things you can do to ensure the most accurate lab test results:
- Follow any directions your lab or doctor gives you to prepare for the test.
- If you are doing a blood test, stay hydrated. Drinking water keeps more fluid in your veins, which can make drawing your blood easier.
- Check with your lab if your urine or stool sample is large enough. Sometimes too little urine or stool can make it harder for the test to provide an accurate result.
- Do your best to stay calm and relaxed when the sample is being collected. This improves the chances that you or the technician will get a good sample.