Final answer:
A specimen must not be contaminated by direct contact with hands, skin, or lab surfaces. Using sterile equipment and protective clothing and adhering to aseptic techniques can prevent potential contamination and subsequent patient infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients should understand that a specimen must not be contaminated by direct contact with hands, skin, or lab surfaces to prevent the introduction of pathogens. In a clinical setting, strict aseptic techniques are necessary to maintain sterility, such as the use of sterile equipment like pipettes and media and ensuring that everything is free of microbes before use. It is crucial that medical personnel wear appropriate protective clothing and handle potentially contaminated equipment with care. In laboratories, contaminating a specimen can result in inaccurate experimental results or misdiagnosed patients. For instance, medical devices such as catheters can become contaminated and lead to patient infections if not handled properly. Hence, to prevent sepsis and other complications, maintaining a sterile environment is imperative during any medical procedure with a risk for contamination.