What happens to a clinical specimen if it dries out?

When a clinical specimen dries out, it significantly impacts its quality and usefulness, particularly regarding bacterial growth. Loss of moisture leads to a decline in the viability of microorganisms within the specimen. This is particularly important in samples intended for microbiological analysis, as the growth of bacteria requires a suitable environment that includes adequate moisture. When a specimen dries, the cells can die or enter a dormant state, making it impossible to accurately assess their presence or viability when the specimen is tested.

Thus, the drying process effectively compromises the specimen's ability to support bacterial life, which is why this outcome is a critical concern in laboratory settings. While concentrating the sample or increasing contaminants may have some theoretical implications, the immediate and significant effect of drying is the loss of bacterial viability. This highlights why ensuring that specimens are collected and stored under appropriate conditions is essential for reliable laboratory results.