What does the term 'cross-contamination' refer to in sample collection?

Cross-contamination refers to the introduction of contaminants from external sources into a sample during the collection process. This can occur through various means, such as using unsterilized equipment, handling samples with dirty hands, or collecting samples from areas that are not properly isolated from potential contaminants.

Understanding cross-contamination is crucial because the integrity of the sample is vital for accurate testing and analysis. If a sample becomes contaminated, the results obtained from testing can be misleading or erroneous, leading to incorrect conclusions regarding the quality or composition of the sample being studied. Therefore, to ensure reliability in laboratory results and representational analysis, measures must be taken to avoid any introduction of foreign substances that could distort the findings.