CLSI GP33 A : 1ED 2010

Abstract
Committee Membership
Foreword
1 Scope
2 Introduction
3 Terminology
4 Designing a Patient and Sample Identification System
5 Preexamination Phase
6 Examination Phase
7 Postexamination Phase
8 Training
9 Validation a New System for Patient Identification
10 Reports of Incorrect Identification Incidents
11 Audit Systems
12 Technology Tools
13 Point-of-Care Testing
14 Conclusion
References
Appendix A - Preexamination Phase Process for Hospital
             Patients
Appendix B - Sample Hospital Identification Band Policy
Appendix C - Sample Inpatient Identification Procedure
Appendix D - Sample Procedure for Patients Identification
             in a Physician Office Laboratory
Appendix E - Sample Procedure for Identifying Neonates
Appendix F - Sample Labeling Policy and Procedures
Appendix G - Examples of Examination Phase Process
Appendix H - Postexamination Phase Process
Appendix I - Sample Training Checklist Form
Appendix J - Sample Policy for the Misidentified or
             Unidentified Patient
Summary of Delegate Comments and Subcommittee Responses
The Quality Management System Approach
Related CLSI Reference Materials

Specifies the essential elements of systems and processes required to ensure accurate patient identification.

The identification (ID) process begins with the patient, either at the time of registration for admission to a health care facility, or on presentation for sample collection, and ends with reporting the results of the examination. This document outlines all points in the path of workflow related to patient and sample ID. The essential elements of systems and processes required to ensure accurate patient ID are described. The principles in this document are applicable to manual or electronic systems. Considerations covered include criteria for accuracy, differences in inpatient vs outpatient settings that impact patient ID, language and cultural considerations, and standardization of processes across the health care enterprise. Guidance on system implementation and user training is included. Validation of patient ID systems/programs and ongoing monitoring as a quality measure are also covered. This document is intended for health care providers (HCPs) who design, select, implement, monitor, and evaluate patient ID systems or any individual responsible for specimen collection.