Which statement correctly identifies the pre-analytic phase?

Which statement correctly identifies the pre-analytic phase?

• A. The phase that includes analysis in the lab
• B. The phase that includes collection, labeling, and handling before analysis
• C. The phase that includes result reporting
• D. The phase that occurs after analysis

Answer: (B)

The main concept being tested is what happens before any lab testing begins. The pre-analytic phase includes all steps that occur prior to analysis: preparing the patient, collecting the specimen, labeling it with correct patient identifiers, and handling and transporting the sample in a way that preserves its integrity for testing. This is exactly what the statement describes when it mentions collection, labeling, and handling before analysis, so it best matches this phase. The other phases occur after collection and labeling: the analytic phase is the actual laboratory testing of the specimen, and the post-analytic phase includes reporting and interpreting results, as well as any subsequent actions.

The main concept being tested is what happens before any lab testing begins. The pre-analytic phase includes all steps that occur prior to analysis: preparing the patient, collecting the specimen, labeling it with correct patient identifiers, and handling and transporting the sample in a way that preserves its integrity for testing. This is exactly what the statement describes when it mentions collection, labeling, and handling before analysis, so it best matches this phase.

The other phases occur after collection and labeling: the analytic phase is the actual laboratory testing of the specimen, and the post-analytic phase includes reporting and interpreting results, as well as any subsequent actions.