#06-5558 Accrd Manual V7 - COLA

IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY & TRANSFUSION SERVICES>Are blood specimens for immunohematology testing (TS 32 – TS 36):TS 32 RObtained using tubes with firmly attached labels?TS 33 ELabeled with a unique patient identifier composed of 2 individual identifiers?To contribute to the reduction of medical errors as a result of mis-identification, it is necessary for laboratoriesto ensure that all specimens have a unique identification that can be linked to the patient, requisition, andreport. Using a combination of two identifiers, increases the likelihood of catching misidentifications due tocommon names.Examples of common identifiers include birth date, medical record number, or social security number. Birthdate is acceptable but it may be possible to have two patients with the same or similar name and the samebirth date. The room number is never acceptable.TS 34 ELabeled with the patient’s first and last names?TS 35 ELabeled with the date drawn?TS 36 EDrawn and then labeled while still at the patient’s side?TS 37 RIs there a mechanism to easily identify the individual who drew the specimen?It is critical to be able to confirm the identity of the individual that collected the specimen. This can beaccomplished in a number of ways. Historically phlebotomists have signed their name or recorded their initialsdirectly on the specimen label. This is not a requirement, as long as the facility can trace the identity of thephlebotomist by another means. This is most common in facilities that are computerized.Are final interpretations of test results immediately documented as testing of blood specimens obtained frompotential transfusion recipients is completed for the following tests (TS 38 – TS 40):TS 38 EABO group and Rh type?Tests for weak D are not required.TS 39 EUnexpected antibody screen that will demonstrate clinically significant red blood cell antibodies reactive at 37degrees C.?TS 40 EAntibody identification, if antibody screen was positive?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT COLA PHONE 800.981.9883 | FAX 410.381.8611 | ON-LINE www.cola.org69