Which item is a common source of error related to tube labeling?

Which item is a common source of error related to tube labeling?

• A. Hemolyzed Specimen
• B. Wrong Vacutainer tube
• C. Incorrect patient name
• D. Missed order time

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that tube labeling is tightly tied to the tube itself. Each Vacutainer tube has a specific additive, a color code, and is meant for particular tests, and the label on that tube is used to identify the patient and the intended assay. When the wrong Vacutainer tube is selected, the label you attach to the specimen may not match the tube’s contents or the tests ordered, leading to a mislabeling error that can cause incorrect results to be reported or require a redraw. This direct link between tube identity and labeling makes choosing the correct tube the most common and straightforward source of labeling-related errors. Hemolyzed specimens relate to collection technique, incorrect patient name is an identification error, and missed order time is administrative, but none ties as directly to the labeling of the tube as using the wrong Vacutainer tube.

The key idea is that tube labeling is tightly tied to the tube itself. Each Vacutainer tube has a specific additive, a color code, and is meant for particular tests, and the label on that tube is used to identify the patient and the intended assay. When the wrong Vacutainer tube is selected, the label you attach to the specimen may not match the tube’s contents or the tests ordered, leading to a mislabeling error that can cause incorrect results to be reported or require a redraw. This direct link between tube identity and labeling makes choosing the correct tube the most common and straightforward source of labeling-related errors. Hemolyzed specimens relate to collection technique, incorrect patient name is an identification error, and missed order time is administrative, but none ties as directly to the labeling of the tube as using the wrong Vacutainer tube.