A phlebotomist arrives to collect a 2-hour post-prandial glucose specimen but finds that 2 hours have not elapsed since the patient's meal. What should the phlebotomist do?

The appropriate action in this scenario is to verify the correct time for the specimen collection with the patient's nurse. This ensures that the phlebotomist adheres to the specific timing protocol necessary for the post-prandial glucose test. Since the test is designed to measure the patient's blood glucose levels after a specified duration following a meal, it’s crucial to ensure that the required time has passed in order to obtain accurate and reliable results.

Confirming with the nurse helps ensure that the phlebotomist has the most updated information regarding the patient's meal time and can make an informed decision on whether to collect the specimen or adjust the timing. Accurate timing is critical in lab tests, particularly for glucose measurements, where results can vary significantly based on the timing of the test in relation to meal intake. This approach maintains professional standards and patient safety, reinforcing good communication within the healthcare team.

Other choices may compromise the accuracy of the test results. Drawing the specimen anyway could lead to false readings, which may impact clinical decision-making. Recording the time and leaving does not resolve the issue, as it does not ensure that the correct timing for the test is followed. Canceling the order may be unnecessary and may delay important healthcare decisions regarding the patient's condition.