Which of the following processes is a characteristic of a closed system laboratory?

In a closed system laboratory, the primary characteristic is the ability to maintain a controlled environment that minimizes the risk of contamination from external sources. This is particularly crucial in molecular diagnostics, where even minor contamination can lead to erroneous results, jeopardizing the integrity of the testing process.

The resistance to cross-contamination means that the systems, equipment, and procedures in place work together to safeguard against any unintended mixing of samples or reagents that could skew the results. For instance, a closed system often involves sealed reagents and automated processes that reduce human interaction, thereby limiting opportunities for contamination.

In contrast, processes that involve multiple manual adjustments, frequent modifications of testing protocols, and high user intervention can introduce variability and increase the risk of cross-contamination. These elements are characteristic of more open systems where external factors can influence the test outcomes. Hence, the emphasis on resistance to cross-contamination highlights the critical nature of a closed system in achieving reliable and reproducible results in a laboratory setting.