Table 2. Recommendations for pre-analytical studies in phlebotomy.

Choose the subjects of your study to address laboratory pre-analytics with respect to a precise diagnostic issue, considering the limitations and pitfall of results when generalized.
Adopt a standard procedure if available to investigate a pre-analytical factor, or detail it if there is none available.
Use a statistical framework in order to give consistency and unity to the analysis of data, avoiding multiplication of methods and inhomogeneous calibration (i.e. minimum effect size detectable).
Assess the clinical significance of bias at different levels, preferably the same of the internal quality control performed on the laboratory tests used for the study.
Ensure accessibility to results and discussion focusing on mechanisms, relating to current procedures or guidelines, and avoid including any statistical consideration.