Final answer:
When patients fail to follow test preparation guidelines, it can lead to inaccurate results and waste time and resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
When patients fail to follow test preparation guidelines, it can have serious consequences. One consequence is that the test results may be inaccurate, leading to a misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment. For example, if a patient is supposed to fast before a blood test and they eat before the test, it could affect their blood sugar levels and lead to a misinterpretation of the results. Another consequence is that it can waste time and resources for both the patient and the healthcare provider. If a patient doesn't follow the preparation guidelines for a procedure, such as not abstaining from certain medications, it may lead to the need for a repeat procedure or additional tests, which can be costly and time-consuming.