If patient identifiers do not match the requisition, what should you do?

Prepare for the CAMLPR Specimen Collection Competency Test. Practice with diverse question sets including multiple-choice and flashcards. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you become proficient before the exam.

Accurate patient identification is non-negotiable before specimen collection. If the identifiers on the patient and the requisition do not match, you must not proceed with collection. Halt the draw, inform your supervisor, and follow the facility’s process to resolve the discrepancy. Recheck the patient’s identity using at least two identifiers (such as name and date of birth or medical record number), confirm details with the patient or guardian, and reconcile the requisition with the patient’s chart. Only after the identifiers match should collection proceed, and label the specimen with the verified patient information. Document the discrepancy and actions taken. These steps prevent misidentification and mislabeling that could harm the patient.