Phlebotomists must ensure which of the following regarding patient identification?

Confirming patient identification using two identifiers, such as the patient's name and date of birth, is a critical practice in phlebotomy. This two-step verification process is essential to ensure both the accuracy of the test results and the safety of the patient. This method follows the standard protocols recommended by various health organizations and regulatory bodies, which emphasize the importance of reducing identification errors in healthcare settings.

Using two identifiers helps to minimize the risk of errors that could lead to mislabeling samples or administering incorrect treatments. It ensures that the phlebotomist is drawing blood from the correct patient and that the samples are appropriately matched to the right individual in the medical records. This approach is universally accepted in the medical field to enhance patient safety and maintain the integrity of laboratory testing.

While verbal confirmation from the patient can be a part of the identification process, relying solely on this method might not provide sufficient assurance, as it could be influenced by factors like patient confusion or miscommunication. Checking only once before collection is insufficient, as it does not establish a thorough method of verifying identity. Cross-referencing with the hospital schedule may provide additional context but does not serve as a standardized identification method directly linked to the patient’s identity at the time of the procedure. Thus,