What is the term for a blood specimen that has been compromised by external factors?

The correct term for a blood specimen that has been compromised by external factors is "contaminated specimen." A contaminated specimen refers to a sample that has been altered or affected by unwanted microorganisms or substances, such as bacteria or foreign materials, during the collection or handling process. This can affect the accuracy of lab results and can lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment.

While hemolyzed specimens refer to blood samples in which red blood cells have ruptured, resulting in the release of hemoglobin into the serum, this condition specifically pertains to the integrity of the red blood cells rather than contamination from external sources. Therefore, while a hemolyzed specimen may be compromised, it does not encompass all types of external compromises that would fall under contamination.

Deficient specimens typically refer to samples that do not contain enough volume or adequate constituent materials necessary for testing, and expired specimens indicate samples that have surpassed their usable life, both of which are not specifically related to external contamination factors.