Which action prevents mislabeling of specimens?

Which action prevents mislabeling of specimens?

• A. Label after collection
• B. Label before collection
• C. Do not label
• D. Leave label blank

Answer: (B)

Labeling before collection is essential because it ties the specimen to the correct patient while identity is being verified at the bedside, using two identifiers from the patient’s wristband. By applying the label up front, you prevent the common risk of swapping labels or misidentifying a sample after collection, since the specimen already carries the correct patient information as soon as it is drawn. If labeling occurs after collection, or if a label is left blank, there’s a real chance the specimen could be misassociated with another patient, leading to erroneous results and patient safety issues.

Labeling before collection is essential because it ties the specimen to the correct patient while identity is being verified at the bedside, using two identifiers from the patient’s wristband. By applying the label up front, you prevent the common risk of swapping labels or misidentifying a sample after collection, since the specimen already carries the correct patient information as soon as it is drawn. If labeling occurs after collection, or if a label is left blank, there’s a real chance the specimen could be misassociated with another patient, leading to erroneous results and patient safety issues.