By admin | August 21, 2009
A survey by More4 News shows a worrying number of clinical specimens sent to NHS pathology laboratories have been mislabelled.
Following an FOI request to every NHS trust in the UK, to which 120 trusts replied, it emerged that 365,608 specimens were mislabelled before they arrived at the pathology laboratories.
In addition, 11,712 samples were incorrectly labelled by pathology lab staff.
More4’s FOI investigation also revealed there were 46 recorded cases last year where mislabelling was found to have been related either to a patient death or a significant delay in patient treatment.
The UK’s NPSA (National Patient Safety Agency) have released a statement that says the pre-printing of patient labels in any form is unsafe. The statement covers all pre printed labels and Laser A4 sheets that can include wristband and label set combinations. The advice addresses issues that has long been a concern to many within the NHS and is being sent out to all UK hospitals.
The statement said…
“The NPSA considers that printing several labels with patient details at one time, so that they can be used at a later time for the patient’s care, is unsafe. Labels should be printed only when required for the patient’s care and, where electronic systems permit, by the bedside so that the risk of the label being used for another patient is minimised. “
By admin | April 13, 2009
Part 7 of our interview with Dr Richard Jones looks at time management advantages of barcoding technology.
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In part 6 of our interview with Dr Richard Jones we ask about the financial implications of printed wristbands and labels.
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Timestrip is delighted to announce that it has entered into a partnership with Brenmoor Limited to introduce a new product to add to Brenmoor’s market leading range of printable patient wristbands that are used widely within the NHS. This is the second product in the newly launched TimestripMedical range.
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