Final answer:
The next best identifier after a patient's name on a requisition is the medical record number (MRN), followed by other unique identifiers such as the patient's date of birth or a hospital patient ID number.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a name is not located on a requisition from an inpatient patient, the next best identifier would typically be the patient's medical record number or MRN. The MRN is a unique number assigned to each patient that allows healthcare providers to access the patient's medical history across visits and treatments. This identifier is crucial for avoiding errors in patient identification and ensuring that the correct medical information and samples are matched to the correct patient. Other possible identifiers include the patient's date of birth or a unique hospital patient ID number if the MRN is not available. It is essential to adhere to hospital policies and procedures to ensure patient safety and data integrity.