What information is essential to include when labeling a specimen container?

Including the patient's name, date of birth, and date and time of collection on a specimen container is essential for several important reasons. First, the patient's name and date of birth are crucial for accurately identifying the individual from whom the specimen was collected, ensuring that the results are linked to the correct medical record. This is especially important in healthcare settings where multiple patients may have similar names.

The date and time of collection help provide context for the specimen analysis. Certain laboratory tests can have time-sensitive results, and knowing when the specimen was collected assists in interpreting the results correctly. For instance, some tests may vary based on the time of day they are performed due to biological rhythms.

In contrast, including a patient's insurance details, only the type of specimen collected, or the laboratory technician's name and signature does not provide the critical information necessary to ensure accurate identification and results. While those details may have their own relevance in different contexts, they do not serve the primary purpose of ensuring that the specimen is correctly matched to the patient and interpreted according to the relevant clinical context.