What is an important practice after obtaining blood specimens from a patient?

Labeling all tubes immediately after obtaining blood specimens is crucial for ensuring the correct identification of the samples. This practice minimizes the risk of mix-ups or errors that could lead to incorrect test results, which are critical for patient diagnosis and treatment. Proper labeling must include key information such as the patient's name, the date and time of the draw, and any other relevant identifiers. This immediately ties the sample to the specific patient, enhances accuracy in laboratory testing, and helps maintain a clear chain of custody for the specimens.

While ensuring patient comfort, maintaining confidentiality, and documenting the time of the draw are also important aspects of phlebotomy practice, they do not directly address the immediate need for labeling specimens. Each of these actions should indeed be part of a comprehensive approach to patient care and procedural integrity, yet proper labeling takes precedence to promote safety and reliability in the testing process.