When labeling venipuncture tubes after a blood draw, which information is essential to include?

Including the initials of the collector and the time collected on venipuncture tubes is essential for several reasons. First, the initials of the collector serve as a way to identify who performed the blood draw, which is important for accountability, tracking skills, and addressing any potential issues that may arise during testing or in the post-collection phase. Should any discrepancies or questions arise regarding the sample, it allows for easy follow-up with the responsible individual.

The time the sample was collected is also critical as it can influence the interpretation of laboratory results. Certain tests may require timely processing or may reflect changes in the patient's condition related to the time the blood was drawn. By providing this information, healthcare providers can ensure that the results are correctly interpreted in a clinical context.

The other choices include potentially important information but do not prioritize the key details necessary for accurate tracking and processing of blood samples. For instance, patient contact information may be relevant in other contexts but does not directly pertain to the handling and labeling of blood collection tubes. Similarly, details about the supplier and order number or the type of blood drawn and laboratory number don't carry the same level of importance for immediate sample identification and result management.