In the wound drainage specimen protocol, which step is included?

• A. Label specimen
• B. Discard the specimen after collecting
• C. Do not irrigate the wound
• D. Send without transport to lab

Answer: (A)

Labeling the specimen is included because accurate labeling ties the sample to the correct patient, wound site, and collection time, which is essential for valid culture results and appropriate treatment. Without a proper label, the lab cannot be sure which patient or which wound the sample came from, leading to misidentification, incorrect results, delays in care, and potential safety and legal issues. The label should include the patient’s name or ID, the wound site, the date and time of collection, and the person collecting it, placed on the container and any accompanying paperwork.

The other steps listed are not appropriate as standalone requirements: discarding the specimen after collecting would prevent analysis; sending it to the lab is necessary for results, not sending it would end the process; and irrigation practices vary by protocol, so stating not to irrigate isn’t universally required. The key take-home is that proper labeling is essential for accurate processing and patient safety.