How should you handle a blood sample that is visibly clotted?

When a blood sample is visibly clotted, it is crucial to discard it and obtain a new sample for testing. Clots in a blood sample can interfere with accurate laboratory results, as the presence of a clot can lead to erroneous measurements for various parameters, including cell counts and biochemical markers.

Using a clotted sample for testing could result in unreliable data, affecting patient diagnosis and treatment plans. Sending the sample without alteration could also pose similar risks, as the lab will not be able to process it appropriately. Mixing the sample might seem like a solution, but it would not effectively resolve the issue of clotting. Therefore, discarding the compromised sample and recollecting a fresh sample is the best practice to ensure the integrity and reliability of the test results.