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we do not want "extra" Blood Bank tubes drawn unless it is a critical patient situation. We made a new policy: If the patient is critical, we hold the tube for 60 minutes to allow the orders to be written and placed in the computer. If no orders are received, then the tube is discarded and a new specimen is collected when orders are placed. The problem we had in the past was either 1) when the "extra" BB specimen was drawn, a BB armband was not issued to the patient (as required at the time of specimen collection). When orders were received, testing done, and products issued, then everything had to be redone because there was no corresponding armband on the patient or 2) a BB armband was issued, but no orders were ever placed so no testing was performed. This confused the OR staff when they saw a pink armband on the patient and assumed a type and screen/crossmatch had been done.