What is a common consequence of not keeping laboratory glassware clean?

Contamination of samples is indeed a common consequence of not keeping laboratory glassware clean. When glassware is not thoroughly cleaned, residual substances, such as chemicals, biological materials, or particulates, can remain on the surfaces. These contaminants can mix with new samples, leading to inaccurate results, false positives or negatives in tests, and potential misinterpretations of data. Clean glassware is crucial for ensuring the integrity of samples and the reliability of lab results, which is vital in any laboratory setting where precision and accuracy are paramount.

Maintaining cleanliness in laboratory glassware helps to eliminate any variables that could interfere with experimental outcomes, thus promoting valid and verifiable results. This practice fosters an environment of safety and control in laboratory procedures, ultimately upholding the quality standard required in medical and scientific investigations.