Final answer:
The first step in the blood collection procedure is Patient Identification, which involves verifying the patient's identity to prevent mix-ups and ensure accurate results.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in the blood collection procedure is Patient Identification. Before any blood is collected, the healthcare professional must verify the patient's identity to ensure that the sample belongs to the correct patient. This is done by asking the patient for their full name and date of birth, and checking it against the information on their identification band or chart. Proper patient identification is crucial to prevent any mix-ups and ensure accurate results.