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Last modified: November 7, 2025

Fix a specimen issue with your lab sample

Patients

Sometimes, a lab can’t complete testing because a sample is damaged, delayed, or missing important information. This is called a specimen issue. It simply means the lab needs a new sample so your results can be processed correctly.

If this happens, the test in your My health page shows Recollection required. Your provider has already reviewed the issue and decided what needs to happen next. Follow the steps below to complete what’s needed and keep your testing on track.

How to fix your specimen issue

  1. Open My health from your dashboard.
  2. Click View details on the test with the specimen issue to see recollection instructions.

Click view details to recollection information.

  1. Follow the on-screen steps for your test type — blood labs or specialty labs.

  1. After your recollection or kit return, check My health again for updates. Your provider will share results once they’re ready.

  1. Tap My health from your home page.
  2. Tap on the test with the specimen issue alert.

  1. Follow the on-screen steps for your test type — blood labs or specialty labs.

  1. After your recollection or kit return, check My health again for updates. Your provider will share results once they’re ready.

Specimen issue resolution options

Depending on the specimen type, biomarkers, and/or test type, you may see different options for resolving:

Blood labs

For blood labs, select Schedule free recollection to schedule your new blood draw appointment.

Click schedule free recollection.

Specialty labs

For specialty labs requiring a blood draw, click View your sample collection options and View requisition to choose a blood draw option that works best for you.

Click view sample collection options.

For specialty labs requiring a recollection via at-home collection, click Track package to see when your new kit will arrive.

Click track package.

Key details

  • Partial results: You may see some results early if your provider accepts partial results.
  • Fees: Recollections through Quest, Labcorp, or Getlabs are free. Third-party services may charge their own fees.
  • Timing: Status updates appear after the lab receives your new sample or the replacement kit is scanned by the carrier.
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