What is the protocol if a requisition is incomplete or mislabelled?

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.

The key idea is balancing timely testing with keeping the specimen properly linked to the right patient. When a requisition is incomplete or mislabelled, the safest and most practical approach is to proceed with the collection and fix the details afterward. This helps avoid delaying care for time-sensitive tests while still maintaining accountability.

At collection, verify the patient’s identity as accurately as possible using at least two identifiers and collect the specimen for the tests ordered. Label the specimen with the patient identifiers and the collection details to preserve traceability, even if the requisition itself is not yet complete. Immediately document the discrepancy on the requisition and in the lab information system, and notify the ordering clinician or responsible party so the requisition can be corrected in the system and the results can be linked to the correct patient.

Avoid guessing missing fields or creating a new requisition after collection, as these practices can lead to misidentification and reporting errors. Also avoid delaying collection when the test is time-sensitive, since timely results are critical to patient care.