Which type of laboratory receives specimens for testing and refers them to another lab for analysis?

The referring laboratory is the type of facility that receives specimens for testing and then directs them to another laboratory for analysis. This process is crucial in laboratory medicine, especially when the referring laboratory may not have the necessary equipment, specialized personnel, or particular testing capabilities to perform certain analyses. By sending the specimens to a lab that is better equipped to provide the necessary tests, the referring laboratory can ensure that patients receive accurate and timely results from a trusted source.

In the context of laboratory operations, a referring laboratory often collaborates with reference laboratories—which primarily perform specialized tests and analyses on specimens sent by other labs. It's important to distinguish between the roles of these types of laboratories: while both may handle specimens, the referring laboratory's main function is to coordinate the testing process and ensure specimens reach the appropriate facilities for analysis, while reference laboratories serve as the destination for these tests.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the flow of specimens in the laboratory system and underscores the importance of each laboratory's role in the broader context of patient care and diagnostics.