A laboratory specimen is sometimes a biological specimen of a medical patient's tissue, fluids, or other samples used for laboratory analysis to assist in differential diagnosis or staging of a disease process. These specimens are often the most reliable method of diagnosis, depending on the ailment. For example, breast cancer biopsies, performed on laboratory specimens of breast tissue, yield just a 2% rate of incorrect diagnosis.[1] Laboratory specimens may also include feces.
- ^ CDCBreastCancer (2022-09-26). "What Is Breast Cancer Screening?". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 2022-11-08.