Labeling Specimens

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 176 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Phlebotomy CE Package$59Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Routine Venipuncture. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Routine Venipuncture (online CE course)
Labeling Specimens

All specimens must be labeled in the presence of the patient at the time of collection. Inaccurate or incomplete labeling may result in rejection of the specimen by the laboratory. Unlabeled specimens will automatically be rejected by the laboratory. When labeling a specimen for the laboratory, the following information must be included:

  • Patient's first name and last name
  • Hospital medical record number, date of birth or alternate unique patient number
  • Collector's ID
  • Time the specimen was collected
  • Date the specimen was collected

A phlebotomist must NEVER pre-label specimen containers. This can result in specimen mix-up and potentially disastrous consequences for the patient.