How Do I Print Directly on Test Tubes?

Printing directly on test tubes can be done in various ways. The method can depend on whether the tubes are blood test tubes or urine test tubes, etc. The rules of laboratories across the United States differ. Also the rules may be different for hospitals than for private labs. Often this task is carried out by a lab technician or a lab technologist who is responsible for labeling the tubes. It is important to strictly follow the rules and guidelines of the particular institution to avoid lab errors.

Things You'll Need

• Blood test tubes/urine tubes
• Permanent black marker
• Fine tip permanent black marker
• Highlighter
• Blank white labels
• Black or blue ballpoint pen

Instructions

1. 

   Determine what procedures are in place for the sample. Check if it will need to be frozen. refrigerated or kept at room temperature. Sometimes certain blood samples need to be centrifuged immediately. Check to see if the sample will need to be sent out to another department, or if it is a stat. Check to see if there are certain rules of labeling that would need to be followed, such as highlighting certain tests.

2. Print the patient's name, proper identification or lab number and the name of the test in clear capital letters, using the proper pen. Some of the labels that are on the tubes are glossy and hard to write on. Sometimes it is necessary to put a paper label on the tube. The printing must be neat and legible.

3. Check, double check and triple check the correct spelling. This is very important. Sometimes a married couple will come in for some blood tests and have the same last names. A quick look will not do. It is important to check the name and number on the tube cross check it with the requisition. Make sure all the information matches.

Tips & Warnings

• If a sample needs to be frozen, sometimes the ink can become smudged and therefore hard to read. Wrapping a tissue around the specimen and holding it on with an elastic band before freezing will stop this from happening.

• Lab errors can have life-threatening consequences. Patients could receive the wrong medication or fail to receive what is needed. Some lab errors include mislabeling, wrong handling of the sample and failure to check and match the requisition with the tube and the patient identification.

References

• Prospects: Scientific Laboratory Technician