Which of the following is a potential consequence of improper blood specimen collection?

Improper blood specimen collection can lead to misrepresentation of lab results, making this the correct choice. When blood samples are not collected using the proper techniques, several issues may arise, such as contamination, hemolysis, and improper volume, all of which can compromise the integrity of the sample. For instance, if a blood draw is performed using unsterile techniques, it can introduce pathogens into the sample, leading to inaccurate results that may misguide diagnosis and treatment. Similarly, if a sample is hemolyzed, the breakdown of red blood cells can cause erroneous readings of certain analytes, further distorting the test outcomes.

In contrast, improved diagnostic accuracy and reduced risk of infection are outcomes typically associated with correct specimen collection techniques rather than improper ones. Additionally, while increasing sample volume may appear beneficial, it is not a direct consequence of improper collection; in fact, the focus is usually on ensuring the correct volume for laboratory assays, which may be compromised through error rather than enhanced. Consequently, the potential for misrepresentation of lab results underscores the critical importance of proper techniques in blood specimen collection.