ASCP Patient Identification and Specimen Labeling Flashcards

When should specimen labels be applied to collection tubes?

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

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

Which information is NOT required on a specimen label?

Answer: Patient's insurance number

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

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

Answer: A patient safety violation

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

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

Answer: Discard the specimen and collect a new one

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

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

Answer: Timed specimens such as cortisol or therapeutic drug levels

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

Where should a label be placed on a blood culture bottle?

Answer: On the side of the bottle without covering the manufacturer's barcode

Labels must be placed on the side without covering the manufacturer's barcode so that automated scanners can still read the bottle.