When drawing blood from a newborn without a first name on the ID bracelet, what should you do?

Using the hospital ID number as proof of identity to draw the blood is the appropriate action in this scenario. The hospital ID number is a unique identifier assigned to each patient, which helps ensure accuracy in matching the patient with their medical records and lab results. In the case of newborns, where personal identifiers such as a first name might not yet be available, relying on the hospital ID number minimizes the risk of errors.

Correct identification is crucial in phlebotomy to avoid potentially dangerous mix-ups that could lead to incorrect treatments or diagnostic results. This process underscores the importance of institutional protocols in ensuring patient safety and quality care. The emphasis on using the hospital ID number reflects commitments to maintaining high standards in patient identification procedures, particularly in sensitive situations like blood draws from newborns where misidentification can have serious consequences.