Which of the following needle gauge ranges should a phlebotomist select when performing a venipuncture for blood donation?

Choice A reason:
The date of specimen collection is crucial for a laboratory report as it provides the context for the test results. It helps in assessing the timeliness and relevance of the results, especially when monitoring conditions that can change rapidly over time.

Choice B reason:
While the phlebotomist's initials may be recorded as part of the internal process for tracking specimen collection, they are not typically included in the patient's laboratory report. The focus of the report is on the patient and the test results, rather than on the personnel who collected the sample.

Choice C reason:
Patient diagnosis is not usually included in a laboratory report because the purpose of the report is to provide test results that may inform a diagnosis. The diagnosis is made by the healthcare provider based on the test results, along with other clinical information.

Choice D reason:
Values of previous tests may be referenced in a patient's medical record but are not a required element on a laboratory report. Each report typically presents the results of the current tests only. Comparisons to previous values, if needed, are made by the healthcare provider.

Choice A reason:
Quality control measurements are essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of blood glucose monitors. According to best practices, all blood glucose monitors in use, regardless of their origin, should undergo daily quality control checks. This is to verify that the monitors are functioning correctly and providing accurate readings, which is crucial for patient care and treatment decisions.

Choice B reason:
Focusing only on the blood glucose monitors from the new office for daily quality control measurements is not sufficient. While new equipment may be less likely to have wear-and-tear issues that could affect performance, it is still subject to potential inaccuracies and must be included in the daily quality control routine.

Choice C reason:
Similarly, excluding the new monitors and only checking those from the old medical office would neglect the possibility of inaccuracies in the newer equipment. All monitors, irrespective of their age, can experience calibration drift or other issues that affect their performance.

Choice D reason:
Opting not to perform daily quality control measurements on any of the blood glucose monitors would be against the recommended guidelines and could lead to inaccurate blood glucose readings. This could have serious implications for patient health, particularly in the management of diabetes.