What information must be documented after a blood draw?

• A. Only the patient's name
• B. The patient's name, date and time of the draw, and the phlebotomist's initials
• C. Only the date and time of the draw
• D. Phlebotomist's name only

Answer: (B)

Recording who the patient is, when the draw occurred, and who performed the draw ensures the specimen can be correctly identified and traced through the lab workflow. The patient’s name links the sample to the right person and chart. The date and time establish when the sample was drawn, which is crucial for time-sensitive tests and accurate result interpretation. The phlebotomist’s initials or ID provide accountability and a way to contact the collector if questions arise, supporting the chain of custody and quality control. If any one of these elements is missing, the sample risks misidentification or processing errors.