Which transport safety principle is stated for all venipuncture specimens?

• A. Specimens should not be externally contaminated
• B. Specimens should be externally contaminated
• C. Specimens should be transported in open bags
• D. Specimens require no containment

Answer: (A)

The main idea is protecting both the sample’s integrity and staff safety by keeping venipuncture specimens free from any exterior contamination. If a specimen is externally contaminated, lab results can be distorted by introduced microbes or foreign substances, leading to inaccurate test results. It also increases the risk of exposure if the container leaks or contaminated surfaces come into contact with personnel. Therefore, the safest principle is that specimens should not be externally contaminated, and they should be kept in properly closed, secure containers to prevent leakage.

Exposing specimens to external contamination, transporting them in open bags, or asserting no containment would all undermine safety and accuracy, which is why those options are not appropriate.