NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a routine method for patient identification before specimen collection?

1. Verifying the patient's identification number on the wrist or ankle identification band.

2. Asking the patient to state their first and last name.

3. Asking the patient "Are you John Doe?" or "Are you Mary Doe?".

4. Comparing verbal information with the information on the test requisition.

The correct answer is: Comparing verbal information with the information on the test requisition.

The rationale for identifying option D as the one that is not a routine method for patient identification before specimen collection lies in the purpose and accuracy regarding patient confirmation. Comparing verbal information with the information on the test requisition does play a role in the process, but it does not actively involve the patient in verifying their identity, which is a crucial step in ensuring the right individual is being treated. Effective patient identification typically necessitates engaging the patient in a manner that allows them to confirm their own identity. This is where verifying the patient's identification number on their wrist or ankle band, asking them to state their first and last name, or checking if they are indeed "John Doe" or "Mary Doe" involve direct interaction with the patient. Such practices reduce the risk of error and enhance patient safety by relying on personal affirmation of identity rather than solely on document correlation, which can lead to misidentification if the documentation is not up-to-date or accurate. Thus, while comparing verbal information with the test requisition can support the identification process, it does not constitute a routine method on its own, as it lacks the direct engagement of the patient necessary for a reliable identification protocol.