What are the essential steps to correct a mislabeled specimen and the required documentation?

• A. Ignore The Mislabeled Specimen And Proceed.
• B. Quarantine The Specimen, Inform Supervisor, Obtain Correct Label Or Recollect Sample, Relabel In Chain-Of-Custody, Document Incident Time, Personnel, Action.
• C. Rely On Patient Identifiers Only.
• D. Delete The Label And Proceed.

Answer: (B)

Handling a mislabeled specimen requires containment, proper escalation, correct labeling, and thorough documentation to protect patient safety and ensure traceability.

The best approach starts by quarantining the specimen to prevent any testing or release of results until the issue is resolved. That containment stops potential misidentification from affecting patient care. Next, inform the supervisor or designated authority to ensure the right process and accountability are in place. Then obtain the correct label or recollect the sample if needed, and relabel with proper chain-of-custody so every step from collection to result can be traced. Finally, document what happened: when the incident occurred, who was involved, what actions were taken, and what the final disposition was. This creates a clear, auditable record and supports quality control and regulatory compliance.

Relying on patient identifiers alone, deleting the label, or simply ignoring the discrepancy bypasses essential safety and traceability measures, risking misidentification and incorrect results, and undermines the lab’s procedures and accountability.