[Histonet] Two Patient Identifiers on slides

[Joe W. Walker, Jr.]

I don't think this is technically correct according to the CAP.  The question in the most recent checklist states:

**REVISED** 07/11/2011

ANP.52000 Specimen ID                           Phase II
The identity of every specimen and image, including blocks, slides, and electron micrographs,
is maintained through each step in processing.

NOTE: Each block of tissue must be individually labeled with unique patient identifier(s), e.g.
accession number etched onto the block or embedded into it. Storage of unlabeled blocks in separate
containers that are labeled with patient number or name does not meet this requirement.
Evidence of Compliance:

✓ Written procedure describing system for maintaining specimen identity

This question does not state that 2 identifiers must be on the slides and blocks, etc.  It states it must be a unique identifier throughout the process.  A specimen accession number would technically suffice.  You can add additional identifiers if that helps in your process but they are not required.

I believe that this is often confused with the General lab question GEN.40491 which requires that any specimen that is collected and submitted to the lab must have 2 unique identifiers on it.  Once the specimen is in the lab, the unique accession number would suffice.

Now, if you are utilizing the 2 identifiers to help prevent mislabeling, then I think it is a good idea as an extra precaution step.  We are fortunate to have a xylene resistant label and printer that allows us to label the slides prior to processing.

My two cents as a manager,

Joe W. Walker, Jr. MS, SCT(ASCP)CM
Anatomical Pathology Manager
Rutland Regional Medical Center
160 Allen Street, Rutland, VT 05701
P: 802.747.1790  F: 802.747.6525
Email joewalker <@t> rrmc.org    www.rrmc.org

Our Vision:
To be the Best Community Healthcare System in New England

Rutland Regional…Vermont’s 1st Hospital to Achieve Both ANCC Magnet Recognition® and the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence


-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Michelle Moore
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 3:46 PM
To: Jean Wood; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Two Patient Identifiers on slides

We are writing path #, date of birth & patient initials as identifiers. Michelle


________________________________
From: Jean Wood <jwood <@t> fairchildmed.org>
To: "histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu" <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 2:37 PM
Subject: [Histonet] Two Patient Identifiers on slides


Hello Histonetters,

      Recently we started utilizing a slide labeling component that is built into our AP Easy LIS system and has accession number, levels and patients first and last name when labels are printed out. Dymo does not have a chemically resistant label (we have a Dymo 450 printer) and we have been putting the labels on AFTER the slides are stained and cover slipped.

In the meantime, the HT is writing in pencil the accession # and levels on the slide which is then covered up with the permanent label after cover slipping. Our Lab Manager is worried that we are not compliant as we do not have two patient identifiers on throughout the whole process (she wants us to write patient names on slides in pencil (before staining) and then cover that up with the pre-printed label after staining.

1. What is everyone else doing?
2. Have any of you found a chemically resistant label compatible with the Dymo labeler?


Jean Wood BS, HT
Fairchild Medical Center Pathology Dept.
Ph:530.841.6243 Fax:530.841.6232
jwood <@t> fairchildmed.org<mailto:jwood <@t> fairchildmed.org>
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