ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification Practice Exam 2025 - Free Phlebotomy Practice Questions and Study Guide

Labeling a patient's specimen correctly is crucial for ensuring accurate tracking and identification throughout the testing process. The inclusion of the patient's name, date and time of collection, and the phlebotomist's initials establishes a comprehensive record that allows healthcare providers to verify the integrity of the sample and the person who collected it.

The patient's name is critical for identifying whose specimen is being tested, as it connects the sample to the correct medical record. Including the date and time of collection is essential because it helps to determine the patient's condition at the time of sample collection and can be important for interpreting test results, especially in cases where timing affects the test outcome. The phlebotomist's initials indicate who performed the draw, which is important for accountability and quality control in the laboratory.

In contrast, focusing solely on the patient’s name and identification number, the date and time of collection alone, or just the specimen type and test to be performed would not provide a complete identification protocol. Each of these other combinations lacks one or more key elements, which could lead to issues in test accuracy, sample mishandling, or misidentification. Thus, option C reflects the most thorough and reliable approach to specimen labeling.