What action should be taken if a sample label is incomplete?

When a sample label is incomplete, the recommended action is to discard the sample and collect a new one. This is crucial because the integrity and traceability of the sample are paramount in laboratory testing. An incomplete label can result in misidentification, which can compromise the quality of the analysis and lead to erroneous results.

By discarding the sample and securing a new one with a proper label that includes all necessary information, you ensure accurate tracking and monitoring of the sample's source, the date and time it was collected, and any other relevant details. This practice reinforces the standards of quality control and assures that the results obtained from the testing process are reliable and valid for any subsequent evaluations or decisions.

Continuing with testing, writing the missing information yourself, or reporting but moving ahead with the analysis could all introduce potential errors and issues that compromise the testing process. Collecting a new sample guarantees that the analysis is based on reliable and fully documented information.