Hospital and Laboratory Staff Communication

Specimen Labels

• Labels must contain patient identification for each tube.

• Labels can be handwritten without any identification.

• Labels are optional for specimen tubes.

• Labels should only include the date of collection.

Do not speak casually about patients outside the workplace.

• It is acceptable to discuss patient information with friends.

• Avoid discussing patient information casually outside of work.

• You can share patient stories as long as you don't use names.

• Discussing patient care is encouraged to raise awareness.

Introduce yourself and state what part of the hospital or laboratory staff you belong to.

• It's important to introduce yourself and specify your role.

• You can skip the introduction if the patient seems comfortable.

• Only doctors need to introduce themselves.

• Introductions are not necessary in emergency situations.

Laboratory Requisitions/Labels

• Include time/date of specimen collection, source of specimen, special comments/precautions/requests, and optional info like billing information and MD address.

• Only include the patient's name and ID number.

• Must contain the laboratory's address and contact number only.

• Should list the types of tests to be performed without any additional information.

Common Identification Methods

• Use at least two methods, such as a date of birth or driver’s license, with verbal confirmation.

• Only use a driver's license for identification.

• Always ask for a social security number as the primary identification method.

• Identification can be done verbally without any documents.

Inform the patient of the venipuncture procedure and/or test ordered by the physician.

• Communicate clearly to the patient about the procedure or test they will undergo. They will appreciate it.

• Skip explaining the procedure to save time.

• Only inform the patient if they ask about the procedure.

• Assume the patient knows what to expect.

Correct Patient Identification

• Is not very important in healthcare.

• Can lead to minor inconveniences.

• Is extremely important and must be done right every time.

• Is only necessary for surgical procedures.

Do not disclose any patient information unless authorized by the patient.

• Only the physician can inform a patient of laboratory test results.

• Family members can always receive patient information without consent.

• Patients can disclose their information to anyone they choose.

• Laboratory test results can be shared with friends if the patient is present.

HIPPA.

• Responsible for ensuring confidentiality and privacy in healthcare.

• A law regulating health insurance coverage.

• A program for healthcare cost reduction.

• An organization for healthcare professionals.

Confirming Patient Identification

• Using only the patient's name

• Using at least two ways to identify patients, such as armband or driver’s license, with verbal confirmation from the patient.

• Relying solely on medical records

• Asking the patient's family for identification