Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

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What is the primary purpose of a laboratory specimen label?

  1. To identify the specimen source

  2. To indicate the testing method

  3. To list the testing technician

  4. To track specimen transport

The correct answer is: To identify the specimen source

The primary purpose of a laboratory specimen label is to identify the specimen source. This is crucial for ensuring accurate testing and results. Proper identification helps laboratory personnel ascertain where the sample originated, whether it is blood drawn from a patient, tissue taken from a biopsy, or any other type of specimen. This identification is essential for maintaining an accurate chain of custody, preventing mix-ups, and ensuring that the results correlate to the correct patient or source. While the other options involve important aspects of laboratory operations, identifying the specimen source stands out as the foundation for the entire testing process. This helps ensure that lab results are correctly interpreted in the context of the patient's health, ultimately supporting appropriate medical decisions.