title: Pediatric specimen collection for chemical analysis.
abstract: Laboratory tests can be an important factor in patient care and health care costs. To maximize their utility and cost effectiveness, one must be aware of factors that can compromise their accuracy. The process from choice of tests to interpretation of results is complex, but it can be successfully completed if the variables discussed in this article are minimized. Note: Since submission of this manuscript, an article summarizing the neonatal experience at Columbus Children's Hospital and several surveyed pediatric hospitals has been published. This article reviews methods and provides numerous suggestions on improving technique.
authors.affiliation: Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Seattle, Washington.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Rutledge
mesh_terms: D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D010372:Pediatrics; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014556:Urine / Q000032:analysis