Which data point indicates when the specimen was received by the laboratory?

• A. Receiving date and time
• B. Collection date and time
• C. Anatomical site
• D. Accession number

Answer: (A)

Receiving the specimen into the laboratory is documented with the receiving date and time. This timestamp marks the exact moment the lab took custody of the specimen and began processing it, which is essential for calculating turnaround times and maintaining quality control. The collection date and time refer to when the clinician collected the specimen from the patient, a separate moment that may occur earlier. The anatomical site indicates where the tissue came from, not when it arrived. The accession number is a unique identifier used for tracking, not a time reference. So, the receiving date and time best indicate when the specimen was received by the lab.