What field is unnecessary on an infant's blood sample label?

In medical practice, specifically when dealing with blood samples, it is essential to ensure accurate identification to prevent any mix-ups, potential errors, and to maintain the integrity of the results. When labeling an infant's blood sample, certain fields are crucial for clear identification.

The infant's first name, while important, may not be as critical as other identifiers given that infants can often have similar or identical names within the same healthcare setting. In contrast, the infant's date of birth is vital for determining the age, which can influence diagnostic decisions and treatment approaches. The mother's name is also significant as it links the infant directly to the mother, which is especially important in cases where the infant may not have an independent medical record yet. Finally, the medical record number provides a unique identifier for the infant across the healthcare system, ensuring that all records and lab results are correctly attributed to the right patient.

Thus, while including the infant's first name can aid in identification, it is not strictly necessary for the accuracy and safety of blood sampling practices when compared to the other identifiers which provide more essential information for tracking and managing the infant's care.