You have been asked to take a specimen immediately to the lab. What must you do first?

It is essential to confirm the specimen label and patient name as the first step when preparing to take a specimen to the lab. This action ensures that the specimen is correctly identified and linked to the right patient, reducing the risk of errors that could lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment. Mislabeling or misidentifying specimens can have serious repercussions for patient care, as lab results are critical for making informed clinical decisions.

Once the identification process is confirmed, other steps such as washing hands, preparing the specimen for transport, and notifying the lab can follow. While those steps are important for maintaining safety and efficiency, verifying the specimen details takes precedence to ensure accurate and safe handling of the specimen.