QNS
Encyclopedia
QNS is a clinical laboratory abbreviation for Quantity Not Sufficient. This indicates that either
1.) There is not enough specimen for the lab tests ordered to be performed.
2.) In the case of Vacutainer
s or other tubes with pre-added anticoagulant, the amount of blood invacuated into the tube at the time of phlebotomy
was insufficient to attain the correct blood:anticoagulant ratio. This can cause false results in assays such as coagulation
assays (causing falsely increased clotting times) or blood cell differentials (causing a false increase in poikilocytes
, particularly burr cells.)
In either case, the most common and feasible way to correct the problem is to simply recollect the specimen.
According to Dr. Luna, QNS stands for "fill desired chemical up to predetermined volume" with regards to chemical preparation. Quantity not sufficient implies that the final volume of diluent is not sufficient for molecular testing.
1.) There is not enough specimen for the lab tests ordered to be performed.
2.) In the case of Vacutainer
Vacutainer
Vacutainer is a brand of test tubes specifically designed for venipuncture, which was developed in 1947 by Joseph Kleiner.In phlebotomy the word “vacutainer” has come to be used as a genericized trademark to describe any vacuum-based blood collection vial, regardless of brand. Becton Dickinson...
s or other tubes with pre-added anticoagulant, the amount of blood invacuated into the tube at the time of phlebotomy
Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy is the process of making an incision in a vein.It is associated with the following concepts:* Venipuncture, the practice of collecting venous blood samples* The main practice of a phlebotomist, an individual trained to draw blood...
was insufficient to attain the correct blood:anticoagulant ratio. This can cause false results in assays such as coagulation
Coagulation
Coagulation is a complex process by which blood forms clots. It is an important part of hemostasis, the cessation of blood loss from a damaged vessel, wherein a damaged blood vessel wall is covered by a platelet and fibrin-containing clot to stop bleeding and begin repair of the damaged vessel...
assays (causing falsely increased clotting times) or blood cell differentials (causing a false increase in poikilocytes
Poikilocytosis
Poikilocytosis refers to the presence of poikilocytes in the blood. Poikilocytes are abnormally shaped red blood cells as seen on a blood film in humans and many wild and domestic species of animals, though they are common in some clinically normal small ruminants, particularly goats.Normal red...
, particularly burr cells.)
In either case, the most common and feasible way to correct the problem is to simply recollect the specimen.
According to Dr. Luna, QNS stands for "fill desired chemical up to predetermined volume" with regards to chemical preparation. Quantity not sufficient implies that the final volume of diluent is not sufficient for molecular testing.