Who is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the collection procedure?

The collector is primarily responsible for ensuring the integrity of the collection procedure. This role involves not only obtaining the specimen properly but also adhering to established protocols and guidelines that guarantee the quality and accuracy of the sample collected. The collector must monitor the entire process, from verifying the identity of the donor to ensuring that the collection environment is suitable and that the specimen is properly labeled and secured.

While other parties, such as the donor or the laboratory, have important roles in the overall testing process, it is the collector who is on the front lines of ensuring that the procedures are followed correctly. The collector must be trained to recognize potential issues that could compromise the integrity of the sample, such as contamination or improper handling, making their role crucial in maintaining the standards required for accurate testing outcomes. Supervisors may oversee protocols, but it is primarily the collector's responsibility to manage the procedural integrity during the collection phase.