What does a missing collector’s signature in the specimen process entail?

A missing collector's signature in the specimen process represents an administrative flaw. This is because the signature is a required component of ensuring the chain of custody and proper documentation procedures are followed. Administrative flaws typically involve procedural errors or omissions that do not necessarily impact the validity of the test results but do indicate that proper protocols were not adhered to.

In this case, while the lack of a collector's signature needs to be addressed to maintain the integrity of the testing process, it does not render the test results invalid on its own. The situation can potentially be corrected or clarified without affecting the actual specimen itself. This understanding is crucial for maintaining compliance with procedures while ensuring that the collected specimens remain usable for their intended purposes.