Generally we do not draw a second sample. Since the purpose is to be sure there was no error - WBIT, we have 2 phlebotomists (nurses or lab) identify the patient by AABB standards (pg 368, 18th ed. Technical Manual). Unequivocal ID of the patient shall be made before drawing blood specimens. If any errors or discrepancies are found during this process of ID, blood specimens shall not be drawn until resolved. BLOOD SPECIMENS MUST BE LABELLED AND SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF THE PATIENT. Minimum requirement as stated by AABB: “2 independent patient identifiers and date collection”. Patient’s last and first names, unique ID number (visit ID, MR#, DOB, BB#), date and phlebotomist’s signature, as well as the signature of the 2nd verifying person. The 2nd person signing must be present in the room when blood is being drawn. If 2nd signer was not in the room when phlebotomist verified the patient’s information, (s)he must confirm the patient’s ID again. Patients may not be banded after blood has been taken out of patient’s presence. If the phlebotomist leaves the room prior to tube being signed, the specimen must be re-drawn. If two signatures and/or hospital IDs are not on the tube, a second specimen drawn at a different time (must be properly labeled). All patients must be banded with either a hospital ID band or the Red Blood Bank band (drawing of an out-patient). This band must remain on the patient from the time of specimen collection until the transfusion episode is complete. Since only Blood Bank tubes are signed this way, we would not use a hematology tube. The OB nurses identify,sign, and label the cord specimen in this manner as well. FYI, the only floor we really have to reject specimens from now and then for not following the "RULES" - you guessed it- the ER.