Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

Which is not required for a specimen label?

1. Time of collection

2. Name of physician

3. Name of patient

4. Date of collection

The correct answer is: Name of physician

For a specimen label, essential elements include the patient's name, date of collection, and time of collection. These components ensure accurate identification of the specimen and provide crucial context for interpreting laboratory results. The patient's name is critical for matching the specimen to clinical records, while the date and time of collection can influence the interpretation of certain tests. While the name of the physician may provide valuable information regarding who ordered the test, it is not typically mandated on the specimen label itself. The primary focus of labeling is to ensure proper tracking and identification of the specimen related to the patient rather than identifying the clinician involved. Thus, excluding the physician's name is acceptable and does not impede the critical functions of specimen labeling.