The first step in obtaining a laboratory specimen is to verify the patient’s identity.

The first step in obtaining a laboratory specimen is to verify the patient’s identity.

• A. Label the tube
• B. Explain procedures
• C. Patient identification
• D. Collect specimen

Answer: (C)

Verifying who the patient is before taking any action ensures the specimen will be attributed to the correct person, which is essential for accurate test results and patient safety. If identity isn’t confirmed first, any subsequent steps—collecting the specimen, labeling it, or explaining procedures—could be applied to the wrong patient. Once identity is confirmed, you can proceed with explaining procedures and collecting the specimen, and you would label the tube to maintain a clear, traceable link between patient and sample.

Verifying who the patient is before taking any action ensures the specimen will be attributed to the correct person, which is essential for accurate test results and patient safety. If identity isn’t confirmed first, any subsequent steps—collecting the specimen, labeling it, or explaining procedures—could be applied to the wrong patient. Once identity is confirmed, you can proceed with explaining procedures and collecting the specimen, and you would label the tube to maintain a clear, traceable link between patient and sample.