Patient Identification
Positive patient identification is the foundation of every specimen. The required method is at least two independent identifiers-typically full name and date of birth-stated by the patient or a family member and matched to the requisition and label. Never identify by room number, bed position, or diagnosis. For unconscious or confused patients, use an identification band and a second identifier; for pediatric or language-barrier patients, confirm with a caregiver or interpreter.
Traps include questions where a patient is asleep (wake and verify), where a band is missing (do not draw; obtain a properly identified band per policy), or where labels are pre-printed before the draw (label at the bedside after collection). Another trap is ambiguous names; ask the patient to spell the name and state the date of birth rather than reading it back for a yes/no confirmation. Misidentification is a leading cause of wrong-blood-in-tube errors and transfusion reactions.
Worked rule of thumb: identify, then label-never label, then identify. Label at the point of care with the collector's initials, date, and time, and compare the label to the band and requisition before leaving the bedside. If any identifier mismatches, stop, resolve the discrepancy, and recollect if necessary; never alter or overwrite an existing label.
Also know special situations: aliases, trauma patients with temporary bands, and outpatients who must be re-identified on each visit. Verification is a conversation, not a glance.