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Patient identification system could reduce medical errors

Patient Safety Monitor Alert, December 1, 2004

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Last week the technology company, BD Diagnostics announced the release of version 6.0 of its BD.idT Patient Identification System for specimen management. The new system was developed based on the organizational principles from Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Quality Engineering to reduce medical errors and improve patient safety. It matches patients to tests, and it matches tests to the required specimen containers.

The system is said to easily generate error prevention logs, materials management data, and phlebotomy statistics, as well as detailed reports to help hospitals analyze any weaknesses. It also gives real-time feedback on the specimen management process.

The system works as follows:

1. A staff member enters a specimen collection order into the hospital's laboratory information system.
2.  The order is downloaded to the BD.id server.
3. The software breaks down information by patient, priority, and patient location.
4. The collection order is transmitted to a handheld computer terminal with a bar code scanner.
5. The healthcare professional has an identification badge, and scans it to access a patient's information.
6. The computer will set off an alarm if there is no information on the patient, and record the incident as a near miss. If the patient information is in the system, the handheld device displays the priority of each ordered test, draw order, and time. It also identifies the proper specimen container.
7. The container is scanned, and the specimen is confirmed.
8.  A label is printed at the patient's bedside with the use of a portable printer noting all pertinent information about the patient and test.

To read the press release on FindLaw.com, click here.

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