When a serum separation tube (SST) is collected, which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take to ensure optimal test results?

Choice A reason:
The date of birth is a common identifier, but it is not unique to an individual, as multiple patients may share the same birth date. While it is useful in conjunction with other identifiers, on its own, it does not provide a definitive identification.

Choice B reason:
The record number, often referred to as the medical record number, is a unique identifier assigned to each patient within a healthcare system. It is used to track patient information across different visits and services, making it the most reliable standalone identifier if the patient's name is not available.

Choice C reason:
An address can change over time and may not be unique, especially in large apartment buildings or for patients who are homeless or transient. It is also not specific enough to reliably identify a patient, as multiple individuals can reside at the same address.

Choice D reason:
The social security number is a unique identifier, but due to privacy concerns and the risk of identity theft, it is not the preferred method for patient identification in healthcare settings. Additionally, not all patients may have a social security number, such as non-residents or newborns.

Choice A reason:
The standard recommendation for fasting before a blood specimen collection is typically between 8 to 12 hours¹²³. This duration is considered sufficient to ensure that food intake does not affect the blood test results, such as glucose or lipid levels.

Choice B reason:
A fasting period of 1 to 2 hours is too short and would not provide an accurate representation of the body's baseline levels for most tests that require fasting. It is important for certain levels, like blood sugar and lipids, to stabilize, which takes longer than 1 to 2 hours.

Choice C reason:
Fasting for 4 to 6 hours may be appropriate for some tests, but it is not the standard fasting duration for most blood tests that require fasting. The shorter time might not allow for the clearance of lipids and glucose from the bloodstream that can influence the test outcomes.

Choice D reason:
A 24-hour fast is generally not required for routine fasting blood tests and could be potentially harmful, as it may lead to hypoglycemia, especially in diabetic patients or those with metabolic disorders. It is excessive for the purposes of standard blood tests.