Question 83

The specimen must be completely dried before the test can be processed.

For blood spot collections intended for testing inborn errors of metabolism, it is essential that the specimen is completely dried prior to processing. This ensures the integrity of the sample and accurate test results.

A) The newborn must be at least 3 days old.

While there are specific age requirements for certain tests related to newborn screening, this option does not specifically pertain to the requirement for drying the blood spot. Thus, it is not directly related to the critical step of ensuring the specimen is dried for accurate testing.

B) The circles on the filter paper must be at least half filled.

This statement pertains to the adequacy of blood volume on the filter paper but does not address the necessity of drying the specimen. Therefore, while important for sample collection, it does not fulfill the requirement highlighted in the correct answer.

C) The first drop of blood immediately following the puncture must be included.

Including the first drop of blood is not a requisite for blood spot collections in the context of inborn errors of metabolism. The critical factor here is the drying of the specimen, making this option irrelevant to the correct procedure.

D) The specimen must be completely dried before the test can be processed.

This is the correct statement as it emphasizes the importance of drying the blood spot collection, which is crucial for preventing contamination and ensuring the reliability of the test results.

Conclusion

The requirement that the specimen must be completely dried before processing is vital for maintaining the quality and accuracy of the testing for inborn errors of metabolism. All other options, while they may relate to aspects of sample collection, do not address the critical need for proper specimen handling that ensures valid testing outcomes.