[Histonet] Two patient identifiers and handwritten blocks

Tue Aug 15 11:57:41 CDT 2006

Good question! I think the preferred solution is a barcode that is linked 
to the patient's information.  I am not sure if user readability is 
required. I would think not if you are using bar code readers at embedding 
and microtomy like some larger institutions are doing.  I think MGH 
implemented such a system.  They scan their block just before microtomy 
and the labels for that block print right at the microtome.  You can't get 
better positive patient ID than that! I assume that the accession number 
is also on the block because you still have to file and retrieve it. It 
would be interesting to find out if they are using just the bar code and 
acession number, or if they also have patient name. 

Is there any one from MGH out there that can answer this?

Thanks,
Cindy 

"Jesus Ellin" <JEllin <@t> yumaregional.org> 
08/15/2006 11:43 AM

To
chiggerson <@t> memhosp.com, "Richard Yeo" <ryeo <@t> wchosp.org>, "Blazek, Linda" 
<lblazek <@t> digestivespecialists.com>
cc
histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject
RE: [Histonet] Two patient identifiers and handwritten blocks

Could one of the Identifiers be a 2D barcode or just a plain barcode.
This is generted specificly for this block with this patients
information.  That could be used as a identifier, or does it have to be
something that is a readable identifer to everyone that is handling that
case.?? 

Jesus A. Ellin HT ASCP
Yuma Regional Medical Center
Histology Systems Technologist
Pathology Information Systems
928-336-7444 or 928-336-1144
Fax: 928-336-7319

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
chiggerson <@t> memhosp.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 9:22 AM
To: Richard Yeo; Blazek, Linda
Cc: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Two patient identifiers and handwritten blocks

Okay, so I do not receive any more "flaming" and vicious e-mails, let me
clarify.

JCAHO requires two patient identifiers when collecting specimens,
administering meds, etc. JCAHO recommends and encourages laboratories to
use two patient identifiers on all aliquots (this includes blocks and
slides). Our institution has implemented a two patient identifier policy
before taking any action with a patient, patient specimen, or patient
record (NOT just specimen collection).  This is institution wide. In
addition, the laboratory has implemented the two patient identifier
policy for all testing phases including preanalytical, analytical and
postanalytical for both specimens and records. This is not only
recommended by JCAHO but also recommended by CAP. Please note it is
currently a recommendation, not a requirement. If you need a reference,
refer to CAP's publication "Quality Management in Anatomic Pathology". 
Recommendations for including two patient identifiers on both frozen
section slides and on all blocks and slides is located in the chapter
"Strategies for Error Reduction and Prevention in Surgical Pathology". 
More and more institutions are taking these recommendatioins seriously
and implementing policies both institution wide and laboratory wide.
Mine is such a place. We have always used two patient identifiers,
except on the blocks. Therefore, for those that are taking this
seriously, I would like to know which two patient identifiers are used
and how you implemented it. 
 I NEED to comply with my institutional and laboratory's policies.

Thanks,
Cindy 

"Richard Yeo" <ryeo <@t> wchosp.org>
08/15/2006 10:31 AM

To
<chiggerson <@t> memhosp.com>
cc

Subject
RE: [Histonet] Two patient identifiers and handwritten blocks

SPECIMENS COMING INTO THE LAB REQUIRE TWO PATIENT IDENTIFIERS, NAME/DATE
OF BIRTH/SSN#...
NOT PARAFFIN BLOCKS/SLIDES. 

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
chiggerson <@t> memhosp.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 9:37 AM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Two patient identifiers and handwritten blocks

For those of you that are still handwriting accession numbers on your
blocks:

1.      Do you require both the accession number and the patient's name
to
be handwritten on the cassettes to meet the two patient identifier
patient safety requirement?

2.      If so, do you require the patient's full name? Or last name,
first
initial?

3.      If not using the patient's name as the second identifier, what
are
you using? Medical Record Number? 

4.      If not using two patient identifiers (accession number only),
how
are you justifying not using two identifiers to meet the patient safety
requirements?

5.      For those that have implemented adding a second handwritten 
identifier to blocks, how did your staff react?

The obvious solution is a cassette labeler, however it just is not going
to happen soon.  Thank you in advance for your response to this very
important issue. 

Thanks,
Cindy 

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