What should a phlebotomist do immediately after a successful blood collection?

After a successful blood collection, labeling the blood sample immediately is a crucial step. This practice ensures that the specimens are accurately identified, which is vital for patient safety and proper diagnosis. Correct labeling includes the patient's name, date of birth, date and time of the collection, and the phlebotomist's initials. This information prevents misidentification of samples, which could lead to incorrect test results or inappropriate treatment for patients.

While disposing of the needle promptly, notifying the nurse, and washing hands are also important steps to follow in the overall procedure, they are not as immediate and critical to the integrity of the specimen itself. Proper labeling directly impacts the subsequent testing process and patient care, making it the primary focus right after the blood draw.