What information is necessary to include on a specimen sent to the lab?

Including the patient's full name and date of birth on a specimen sent to the lab is crucial for accurate identification and processing. This information helps ensure that the specimen is matched correctly with the appropriate patient records, reducing the risk of errors, mix-ups, or misdiagnosis.

While a patient's medical history and allergies provide valuable context for treatment and care, they are not essential for the process of accurately identifying and analyzing the specimen in a laboratory setting. Appointment time and location also do not directly impact the handling or analysis of the specimen. Lastly, although insurance information is important for billing and administrative purposes, it is not relevant to the testing process itself in the lab. By prioritizing the patient's full name and date of birth, the lab can maintain high standards of safety and accuracy in patient care.