NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What is the correct action when labeling blood specimens?

1. Label before collection

2. Label after collection

3. Label in front of the patient

4. Label in the lab directly

The correct answer is: Label in front of the patient

Labeling blood specimens is a critical part of the phlebotomy process to ensure patient safety and accurate results. The correct action is to label in front of the patient. This practice serves multiple purposes: it helps to confirm the identity of the patient and ensures that the specimen label matches the patient’s information. By doing this, the phlebotomist enhances the traceability of the sample and minimizes the risk of errors, such as misidentification, which could lead to incorrect diagnoses or treatments. Labeling in front of the patient also provides transparency and builds trust, as the patient can see their information being accurately recorded. This step is essential in maintaining the integrity of the healthcare process, as proper labeling is vital for the laboratory's ability to conduct tests that are vital for patient care. Labeling before the collection may lead to potential discrepancies if there is a mix-up in patient identity or if the specimen is not collected as planned. While labeling in the lab is sometimes done for logistical reasons, it is not ideal because it does not ensure the patient’s identification is matched correctly with the specimen at the time of collection.