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Specimen integrity starts at the bedside: Phlebotomists’ essential role
Phlebotomy, the process of drawing blood, is often the first, very influential step in the diagnostic process. While laboratories perform the analysis that guides clinical decisions, everything begins with a specimen, like a routine blood draw. The accuracy and quality of that blood sample can determine the accuracy and quality of the test, which ultimately informs diagnoses, treatment plans and outcomes.
Often receiving less attention is the
at the right time. Supply chain and
phlebotomy products and equipment.
supply chain infrastructure that supports
procurement professionals play a direct
Additionally, collaboration between sup-
phlebotomy teams. Even with excellent
role in helping reduce pre-analytical risk
ply chain and the lab helps further ensure
training, phlebotomists can only ensure
through minimizing errors and prevent-
access to products promoting integrity
specimen integrity when they have the
ing redraws, ensuring that frontline teams
across the journey of a specimen from
right tools available, in the right quantities,
stay adequately supplied with the right
collection to result.
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February 2026 | The Journal of Healthcare Contracting