Which of the following tests is performed to identify bacteremia?

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 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.