How To Label A Blood Sample 9 Steps With Pictures

A typical blood specimen label has the following information on it:[5] X Research source Patient’s first and last name. Date of birth, age, and sex. MRN or health number plus the lab accession number. The tests to be performed on that specific sample. The tube colour or type, varies by facility. (In these images: LAV = lavender top EDTA; GOLD = gold top SST; LT GRN = light green PST) A barcode to be scanned for specimen tracking and analysis.

It helps to roll the tube with your hands or fingers to ensure complete adhesion.

Be crooked or slanted. The barcode should be straight. Be wrinkled, creased, or torn. Be wrapped around the tube so the barcode is perpendicular, or folded over itself like a “flag”. Be covering the specimen window, obscuring the view of the sample.