Which statement best describes a laboratory panel?

Which statement best describes a laboratory panel?

• A. A single test performed several times
• B. A group of tests performed on multiple samples
• C. A test performed on urine
• D. A group of tests performed at one time from a single venipuncture

Answer: (D)

A laboratory panel is a group of tests ordered together and run from one specimen collected in a single venipuncture. This approach provides broad information from one draw, keeps results consistent by using the same sample, and minimizes patient discomfort from multiple sticks. The other descriptions don’t fit: a single test performed several times isn’t a panel; a group of tests on multiple samples describes testing across several specimens rather than from one draw; a test performed on urine refers to a different specimen type unrelated to the concept of a panel gathered from one venipuncture. So, the best description is a group of tests performed at one time from a single venipuncture.

A laboratory panel is a group of tests ordered together and run from one specimen collected in a single venipuncture. This approach provides broad information from one draw, keeps results consistent by using the same sample, and minimizes patient discomfort from multiple sticks. The other descriptions don’t fit: a single test performed several times isn’t a panel; a group of tests on multiple samples describes testing across several specimens rather than from one draw; a test performed on urine refers to a different specimen type unrelated to the concept of a panel gathered from one venipuncture. So, the best description is a group of tests performed at one time from a single venipuncture.