What should you identify before starting the blood collection process?

Identifying the correct patient and their required tests before starting the blood collection process is critical for ensuring patient safety and the accuracy of test results. Confirming the patient's identity helps prevent mix-ups that could lead to incorrect treatments or diagnoses. This step typically involves verifying at least two identifiers, often the patient's name and date of birth, against the requisition form. Understanding what tests are required is equally important, as it guides the collection process and determines the specific collection tubes or containers needed.

The other options, while important in the broader context of the blood collection process, do not hold the same priority as correctly identifying the patient and tests. Knowing the location of the nearest sharps container, for example, is a safety measure but does not directly impact the accuracy of the laboratory results. Similarly, being aware of the blood collection device and checking the expiration date of collection tubes are relevant procedural steps, but they occur after confirming the patient's identity. Thus, establishing the right patient and their tests is the foundational step in ensuring a safe and accurate blood collection process.