ASCP ASCP Patient Identification and Specimen Labeling 2

Question 1

When should specimen labels be applied to collection tubes?

Accepted Answer

Immediately after collection at the bedside in the patient's presence

Answer

Tubes must be labeled immediately after collection at the bedside in the patient's presence to prevent mislabeling errors.

Question 2

Which information is NOT required on a specimen label?

Accepted Answer

Patient's insurance number

Answer

Required label information includes patient name, ID number, date/time, and collector's initials — insurance number is not required.

Question 3

Pre-labeled tubes prepared before entering a patient's room are considered:

Accepted Answer

A patient safety violation

Answer

Pre-labeling tubes is a patient safety violation because they could be applied to the wrong patient during a mix-up.

Question 4

If a label separates from a specimen tube during transport, the correct action is to:

Accepted Answer

Discard the specimen and collect a new one

Answer

A specimen without a label cannot be positively identified and must be discarded; a new specimen must be collected.

Question 5

The time of collection on a specimen label is MOST critical for which type of test?

Accepted Answer

Timed specimens such as cortisol or therapeutic drug levels

Answer

Timed specimens require accurate collection times because results are interpreted based on when the sample was drawn.

ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Exam Practice Test