Which action most reduces the risk of mislabeled specimens?

Which action most reduces the risk of mislabeled specimens?

• A. Maintain a manual log of collection times
• B. Use a barcode ID on the specimen, verify two identifiers, attach requisition, document collection time and collector, and maintain chain-of-custody
• C. Rely on verbal confirmation of identity
• D. Store without a requisition

Answer: (B)

Preventing mislabeled specimens relies on creating a strong, verifiable link among the patient, the specimen, and the test order. Using a barcode ID on the specimen, verifying two identifiers, attaching the requisition, documenting collection time and collector, and maintaining chain-of-custody provides multiple checks and an auditable trail. The barcode gives a unique, machine-readable ID that minimizes labeling errors. Verifying two identifiers—such as name and date of birth—ensures the specimen truly belongs to the right patient, reducing the chance of misattribution. Attaching the requisition ties the specimen to the specific set of tests ordered, so it isn’t processed for the wrong request. Documenting collection time and the collector creates a traceable record in case questions arise later, and maintaining chain-of-custody protects the specimen as it moves through the system, preventing substitutions or mix-ups. Relying on a manual log alone doesn’t confirm patient identity or maintain the necessary linkage to the order. Verbal confirmation of identity is prone to errors and miscommunication. Storing a specimen without its requisition breaks the essential connection to the test order and patient, increasing the risk of mislabeling.

Preventing mislabeled specimens relies on creating a strong, verifiable link among the patient, the specimen, and the test order. Using a barcode ID on the specimen, verifying two identifiers, attaching the requisition, documenting collection time and collector, and maintaining chain-of-custody provides multiple checks and an auditable trail. The barcode gives a unique, machine-readable ID that minimizes labeling errors. Verifying two identifiers—such as name and date of birth—ensures the specimen truly belongs to the right patient, reducing the chance of misattribution. Attaching the requisition ties the specimen to the specific set of tests ordered, so it isn’t processed for the wrong request. Documenting collection time and the collector creates a traceable record in case questions arise later, and maintaining chain-of-custody protects the specimen as it moves through the system, preventing substitutions or mix-ups.

Relying on a manual log alone doesn’t confirm patient identity or maintain the necessary linkage to the order. Verbal confirmation of identity is prone to errors and miscommunication. Storing a specimen without its requisition breaks the essential connection to the test order and patient, increasing the risk of mislabeling.