Name the labeling and chain-of-custody rules for specimens in the OR?

• A. Labeling with patient name only, sealed containers, proper transport to pathology, and documentation of the specimen.
• B. Documentation of the specimen after transport to pathology.
• C. Accurate labeling with patient and procedure details, sealed containers, proper transport to pathology, and documentation of the specimen.
• D. Transport to pathology without documentation.

Answer: (C)

The main idea tested is keeping specimens in the OR properly identified and traceable from collection to pathology. The best approach requires accurate labeling that includes the patient’s identity and the procedure details (and often site, date/time, and an accession or case number) so the specimen can be matched correctly to the right patient and case. It also uses sealed, leak-proof containers to protect specimen integrity and prevent contamination, and it ensures the specimen is transported to pathology through proper channels with a requisition form that accompanies it. Finally, thorough documentation of every step—the labeling, the container, the transport, and the handling—creates an auditable chain-of-custody showing who collected, who handled, and when the specimen moved to pathology. This combination prevents misidentification and ensures accountability throughout the process.

If you see a choice that only mentions labeling with the patient’s name or one that delays documentation until after transport, or another that omits documentation altogether, those fall short because they miss at least one critical element that preserves accuracy and accountability.