Sampling Plans
Sampling Methods: Overview
Convenience Sampling Method
Hypothesis: Accept or Fail to Reject?
Random Sampling Method
Contaminants and Errors
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Updated: Mar 8, 2026

An Unbiased Approach of Sampling TEM Sections in Neuroscience
Published on: April 13, 2019
Janne Cadamuro1, Ana-Maria Simundic2, Eva Ajzner3
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
This paper proposes a new way to decide whether to accept or reject medical samples based on their quality. It argues that current practices are inconsistent and may harm patients by causing delays and unnecessary re-testing. The authors suggest that laboratory decisions should consider the specific clinical context and patient needs. They propose a framework that allows for personalized performance standards. This approach requires close collaboration between laboratories and clinicians. The goal is to make laboratory medicine more patient-centered by aligning sample acceptance with clinical relevance.
Area of Science:
Background:
Medical laboratories frequently encounter preanalytical errors that lead to sample rejection. However, the criteria and methods for rejecting samples vary widely. Prior research has shown that such rejections aim to avoid incorrect diagnoses. Yet, the consequences of these rejections remain underexplored. Established knowledge emphasizes the importance of result accuracy. This paper addresses the lack of a unified approach to sample acceptance. It highlights the gap in integrating clinical context into laboratory decisions. No prior work has fully connected sample quality to patient outcomes. This uncertainty motivates a shift in laboratory practices. The paper proposes a framework that considers clinical relevance. It aims to bridge the divide between laboratory standards and patient care.
Purpose Of The Study:
This paper seeks to address the inconsistency in sample rejection practices. It aims to develop a framework for personalized performance specifications. The goal is to align laboratory decisions with patient needs. The motivation stems from the recognition that clinical context matters. The authors argue that general quality standards may not always apply. They propose integrating clinical information into performance criteria. The study emphasizes the need for collaboration between labs and clinicians. It suggests that laboratory medicine should prioritize patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
The authors review existing guidelines from the EFLM conference on performance specifications. They extend these recommendations by incorporating clinical data. The approach involves adapting general specifications to specific clinical settings. The method includes evaluating biological variation and available clinical information. The paper outlines a process for modifying performance criteria. It emphasizes the need for close communication with clinicians. The framework allows for personalized specifications per laboratory parameter. The method ensures that laboratory decisions reflect patient-specific needs.
Main Results:
The paper proposes a pragmatic framework for sample acceptance. It suggests integrating clinical context into performance specifications. The approach allows for personalized criteria based on available data. The method considers biological variation and clinical relevance. The authors highlight the importance of clinician-laboratory collaboration. The framework enables more informed decisions on sample rejection. It reduces the risk of unnecessary re-collection. The results suggest a shift toward patient-centered laboratory practices.
Conclusions:
The authors propose that laboratory decisions should reflect clinical relevance. They suggest modifying general performance specifications to fit specific contexts. The framework allows for personalized criteria based on available data. The approach emphasizes collaboration between clinicians and laboratories. It reduces the risk of unnecessary re-collection. The method ensures that laboratory decisions align with patient needs. The paper concludes that laboratory medicine should prioritize patient outcomes. It suggests that this shift requires close interaction with clinicians.
The framework allows for personalized performance specifications based on clinical context and available data.
The authors propose modifying general specifications by incorporating biological variation and clinical relevance.
Clinicians provide essential context for interpreting laboratory results and ensuring patient-centered decisions.
Biological variation informs the development of personalized performance specifications for laboratory parameters.
By aligning sample acceptance with clinical relevance, the framework minimizes the need for repeated sample collection.
The authors suggest that laboratory medicine should become more patient-focused through this framework.