JCAHO Essential Education Information on Lab Specimen Labeling

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The importance of correct specimen identification cannot be overemphasized.  Most labeling errors occur because specimens are not labeled at the point of collection.  The individual getting the specimen must apply a patient label to each sample immediately upon getting the specimen (i.e., at the patient’s bedside).  

 Correct phlebotomy technique requires:

• Confirming the patient’s identification prior to getting the sample -

  • Inpatients - the patient’s name and medical record number on the wristband should be checked against the laboratory order sheet, pick-up sheet or barcode label.

  • Outpatients – Ask the patient for two of the following:

    • their name

    • date of birth

    • social security number

    • At least two identifiers must be used!

• All samples must be labeled with the patient’s name and hospital medical record number  (the patient’s social security number must be used if the medical record number is not available). 

• All samples must have the date and time drawn and phlebotomist’s initials on the label.

The laboratory may reject samples lacking proper identification.

 Serious errors in diagnosis and medical management can occur when samples are incorrectly labeled!