American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

What information should be placed on the specimen tube?

1. Only the patient’s name and date of birth

2. Patient's complete name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of draw, and the collector's initials

3. The date of the test and type of specimen

4. The patient's medical record number

The correct answer is: Patient's complete name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of draw, and the collector's initials

The appropriate information to place on the specimen tube includes the patient's complete name, date of birth, identification number, date and time of the draw, and the collector's initials. This level of detail is crucial for several reasons. First, including the patient's full name and date of birth ensures that the specimen can be accurately matched to the corresponding patient, which is vital in preventing medical errors or misidentifications. The identification number aids in the administrative aspects of patient records and tracking specimens through the laboratory process. Secondly, documenting the date and time of the draw provides context for the specimen's viability and relevance to the patient's current medical condition or treatment. Certain tests may have parameters regarding how long a specimen can remain stable before analysis, so timestamping the specimen is essential for accurate results. Lastly, the collector's initials add a layer of accountability and traceability; in case any issues arise with the specimen or the test results, knowing who collected the sample can be critical. While the other options mention some relevant information, they do not encompass the full range of data required to maintain good clinical practice and ensure patient safety.