What is one critical consequence of failing to document blood collection properly?

Failing to document blood collection properly can lead to a critical consequence such as the potential mix-up of samples. Accurate documentation is essential in phlebotomy as it ensures that each sample is correctly linked to the patient it was drawn from. If documentation is insufficient or incorrect, there is a high risk that samples could be mislabeled or misidentified, leading to significant issues in patient care, including incorrect results or inappropriate treatments. This emphasizes the importance of meticulous record-keeping in maintaining patient safety and the integrity of test results. Proper documentation serves as a safeguard against these errors, ensuring that each patient's sample is traceable and accurately attributed, which is vital for effective diagnosis and treatment.