For specimen labeling, which two identifiers are recommended?

The recommended identifiers for specimen labeling are the full name and date of birth (DOB). Using a patient's full name ensures that the specimen can be correctly attributed to the right individual, minimizing the risk of misidentification. The date of birth further enhances this identification process by providing an additional layer of verification. This is particularly important in healthcare settings where many patients may have similar names, making DOB a critical element in distinguishing between individuals.

While the other options mention identifiers that may have utility, they do not provide the same level of specificity and reliability for labeling specimens as the full name and DOB do. Medical history, while important for treatment purposes, may not be universally applicable or consistent across different specimens. Similarly, identifiers like patient number, address, social security number, and insurance ID may be used in other contexts but are less effective as immediate identifiers for proper specimen labeling. These alternatives can introduce privacy concerns and are not as effective for ensuring the correct association of the specimen with the patient during analysis and reporting.