Preventing Specimen Misidentification Errors

Are you labeling specimens from a positively identified patient?

Do you keep specimens from a patient separate from those of other patients until they have been properly labeled?

Do you label the specimen immediately (or as soon as possible)?

Do you generate labels at the bedside if possible?

Do you have a foolproof mechanism to keep labels from different patients separate?

Do you try not to cover handwritten information on the specimen if possible?

Do you place the label on the body of the container and not on the lid or cap?

Do you double check and clarify discrepancies before leaving the bedside?

Do you immediately discard any unused labels in a confidential manner?

Are you extra careful in an emergency situation?