NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What information is NOT required on a properly labeled tube?

1. Patient location.

2. Patient identification number.

3. Date of collection.

4. Phlebotomist's initials.

The correct answer is: Patient location.

A properly labeled tube in a phlebotomy context must include essential information to ensure accurate identification and tracking of specimens. Patient identification number, date of collection, and phlebotomist's initials are all critical components of this information. The patient identification number is crucial for tracking the specimen back to the correct patient, preventing any mix-ups that could lead to serious medical errors. The date of collection provides important context for the results, as certain tests may vary based on the time frame in which the sample was taken. Recording the phlebotomist's initials is also essential, as it allows for accountability and traceability, ensuring that if there are issues with the sample or the results, the responsible individual can be identified. On the other hand, while patient location may be relevant in certain hospital systems, it is not a universally required element for the labeling of tubes. Many healthcare facilities operate effectively without this detail on the specimen label, focusing instead on the more critical identifiers that ensure patient safety and proper handling of specimens. Thus, the absence of patient location from the label does not compromise the integrity of the specimen handling or testing process, making it the correct answer to this question.