Incorrect patient identification is considered among the most dangerous sources of pre-analytical error. Correct patient identification is critical to the accurate diagnosis and treatment of all patients. Hospitals and outpatient clinic facilities are required to implement procedures to help ensure positive patient identification. Compliance with these procedures is essential.
A positive identification involves the use of at least two unique identifiers. Examples of acceptable identifiers include the full name of the patient and date of birth or a unique number such as a hospital number or medical record number.
Patients are asked to state their name and birthdate with this information compared to an identification band on the patient. If there is not an attached ID band, the patient may need to show other identification before procedures can move forward.
A hospital room number or location is NOT an acceptable identifier and cannot be used as one of the two identifiers as this number is not necessarily unique to the patient.
Always check your organization’s policies and procedures for specific requirements.
