What essential information must be labeled on a urine container?

The essential information required on a urine container primarily includes the patient's full name, personal health number (PHN), date, and time of collection. This information is vital for several reasons.

First, the patient's full name ensures that the specimen is accurately linked to the correct individual, avoiding any errors in test results that could arise from misidentification. The PHN supports this by acting as a unique identifier for the patient within the healthcare system, facilitating easier retrieval of medical records and test results.

Secondly, marking the date and time of collection is crucial, as it provides context for the test results. Many laboratory tests are time-sensitive, and the timing of the specimen collection can influence the interpretation of the results. For instance, certain metabolites may fluctuate throughout the day or with food intake, making it imperative to know exactly when the sample was taken.

While other pieces of information, such as the patient's address, the test ordered by the doctor, or the reason for the test, can be informative, they do not hold the same level of importance for direct specimen identification and accuracy in processing. Therefore, the combination of the patient's full name, PHN, and the date and time of collection is essential for maintaining high standards of laboratory practice and patient safety.