NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Patient PreparationEasy
A phlebotomy technician is preparing to perform venipuncture on an outpatient. After checking the requisition, the technician asks the patient to state their full name and date of birth. The patient provides the correct information. What is the NEXT step the technician should take for proper patient identification?
- ACheck the patient's wristband.
- BAsk the patient to state their address.
- CCompare the stated information with the requisition form.
- DAsk the patient to spell their last name.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Compare the stated information with the requisition form.
After the patient verbally provides their identifying information, the crucial next step in proper patient identification is to compare this stated information directly with the information on the requisition form to ensure they match.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Outpatients typically do not have wristbands, making this option generally inapplicable in this scenario.
- B. Asking for an address is an acceptable third identifier in some protocols, but comparing stated name/DOB to the requisition is more immediate and fundamental.
- D. Asking the patient to spell their last name might be a good additional step if there's a discrepancy or difficult name, but not the immediate next step after verbal confirmation.
Outpatient ID Verification
For outpatients, proper identification involves asking the patient to state their full name and date of birth, then comparing this verbal information to the requisition form to ensure an exact match before proceeding.
- Two identifiers are required.
- Verbal confirmation from patient is primary.
- Requisition form is the source of truth.
- Discrepancies require resolution before drawing.
Memory trick: Say it, then match it, before you stick it.