def get_field_name(data, original_key, alternative_value):
    """
    check which column name used in the BioSamples record, if both provided column names not found, return ''
    :param data: one BioSamples record in JSON format retrieved from API
    :param original_key: field name to be checked
    :param alternative_value: alternative field name to be checked
    :return: either original key or alternative value if found in the data, if not found return ''
    """
    # biosamples record always has characteristics section
    if original_key not in data['characteristics']:
        if alternative_value in data['characteristics']:
            return alternative_value
        else:
            return ''
    return original_key