What is crucial to verify on a blood specimen tube before sending it to the lab?

In a medical setting, verifying the patient's correct identification on a blood specimen tube is essential prior to sending it to the lab. This step ensures that the results of the blood test can be accurately matched to the patient from whom the sample was taken. Misidentifying a specimen can lead to incorrect treatment decisions, misdiagnosis, or even harmful medical errors for patients. Proper identification typically includes checking the patient's name, date of birth, and identification number, which should be clearly labeled on the blood specimen tube. This verification process is a critical component of maintaining patient safety and ensuring the integrity of lab results.

While other factors such as the expiration date, size of the tube, and type of blood collected are relevant in the broader context of specimen handling and processing, they do not directly address the fundamental issue of patient identification, which is paramount for safe and effective medical care.