Sample Contamination

Sample contamination refers to the unintended introduction of foreign substances or organisms into a sample being studied or tested. This can happen in various fields, like biology, chemistry, or even surveys and data collection. When contamination occurs, it can skew results, leading to inaccurate conclusions or findings. For instance, if bacteria from an outside source mix into a laboratory experiment, it may affect the behavior of the cells being studied. Therefore, maintaining strict protocols is essential to ensure the integrity and reliability of sample analysis.