You purchase a preserved whole blood specimen from a distributor who provides the mean values for several complete blood count analytes. What is this specimen called?

The specimen purchased from a distributor that is used to compare against laboratory results and ensure the accuracy and reliability of testing is referred to as a control. Controls are vital in hematology and other laboratory settings because they provide a reference point for assessing the performance of an assay or instrument. In the context of a complete blood count, a control specimen typically contains known quantities of various components like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which can be used to validate the results obtained from patient samples.

This type of specimen is essential for quality control in the laboratory, as it helps to identify any variability or issues with the measurement system. It allows laboratory personnel to ensure that their equipment is functioning correctly and that the results are within the expected range, ultimately leading to more accurate patient diagnoses and treatment plans.

In contrast, a normal specimen generally refers to a sample from a healthy individual and is not specifically used for the quality control process. A calibrator, while similar, is designed to set or adjust the measurement device rather than monitor ongoing precision. A blank is typically an uncontaminated sample used to establish a baseline measurement without any analyte present but does not hold any values for comparison of test results. Thus, control is the most appropriate term for