We don't use any extra blood bank ID bands. Nurses were always cutting them off and wanting a new one (?!) We use the patient's medical record number as identification because it never changes from admission to admission. When a patient is drawn Pre admission, the phlebotomist fills out a "pink card", they stick an aliquot label from the specimen on this card, the label contains the MR number, the patients name, and patient birthdate. The phlebotomist signs the card (and the specimen), the patient signs the card and takes the card home. When the patient returns for surgery, they bring the card with them. The admitting nurse compares the card to the wristband that is being placed on the patient, signs the card and returns it to the blood bank. If the patient returns without the card, or if information is missing, wrong, etc....the patient is redrawn. We have been using this method for about 4 years now and have had few problems. We draw patient's up to 3 weeks prior to surgery