What is the proper protocol if a specimen is not labeled at the point of collection?

What is the proper protocol if a specimen is not labeled at the point of collection?

• A. Send the specimen without labeling and update later
• B. Do not send the specimen; recollect with correct labeling and patient identification; document incident
• C. Label at the lab
• D. Label the specimen after it reaches the lab but do not document

Answer: (B)

Correct labeling at the time of collection is essential to patient safety and specimen integrity. If a specimen isn’t labeled when collected, it should never be sent to the laboratory. The proper action is to stop and recollect the specimen with correct labeling and patient identification, then document the incident. This ensures the specimen can be matched to the right patient and requisition, preserving accurate results and appropriate care. Labeling at the lab or after arrival is not acceptable because it risks misidentification and mix-ups with other patients’ samples. Recollection ensures all identifying information—patient name, date of birth or ID number, the correct specimen type, date/time, and collector initials—are included, maintaining a clear chain of custody. Documenting the incident supports quality assurance, tracks how the lapse occurred, and helps prevent it from happening again.

Correct labeling at the time of collection is essential to patient safety and specimen integrity. If a specimen isn’t labeled when collected, it should never be sent to the laboratory. The proper action is to stop and recollect the specimen with correct labeling and patient identification, then document the incident. This ensures the specimen can be matched to the right patient and requisition, preserving accurate results and appropriate care.

Labeling at the lab or after arrival is not acceptable because it risks misidentification and mix-ups with other patients’ samples. Recollection ensures all identifying information—patient name, date of birth or ID number, the correct specimen type, date/time, and collector initials—are included, maintaining a clear chain of custody. Documenting the incident supports quality assurance, tracks how the lapse occurred, and helps prevent it from happening again.