When performing a blood smear, which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take to ensure a quality result?

Choice A reason:
The specimen source is critical information that must be included with a non-blood specimen delivered to the laboratory. It identifies the origin of the specimen, such as urine, cerebrospinal fluid, or a swab from a specific site. This information is essential for the laboratory to process and analyze the specimen appropriately.

Choice B reason:
While the specimen color may be noted for certain types of specimens, it is not a required piece of information for all non-blood specimens. Color can be an important characteristic for some analyses, but it is not as critical as the specimen source for laboratory processing.

Choice C reason:
Specimen temperature is not typically documented upon delivery to the laboratory unless the specimen requires temperature control during transport, such as certain microbiological cultures. In general, the temperature at the time of collection is not a standard requirement.

Choice D reason:
Specimen clarity might be relevant for specific tests, such as urine analysis, where clarity can indicate the presence of substances like proteins or crystals. However, it is not a universally required piece of information for all non-blood specimens.

Choice A Reason:
The timeline of the individual prior to specimen collection is important for context but is not typically part of the chain of custody documentation. The chain of custody focuses on the handling of the specimen rather than the activities of the individual before the collection.

Choice B Reason:
The identity of each person who handles the specimen is a critical element of the chain of custody. This information ensures that the specimen can be tracked at every stage from collection to analysis, and any potential tampering can be identified and addressed.

Choice C Reason:
While the physical and mental status of the individual may be noted in medical records or police reports, it is not a standard part of the chain of custody for a blood alcohol test. The chain of custody's purpose is to track the specimen, not the condition of the individual.

Choice D Reason:
The condition of the specimen every hour is not required in the chain of custody documentation. What is necessary is the documentation of any changes in the condition of the specimen that could affect the integrity of the results, such as temperature excursions or signs of tampering.