I don't think I would start renumbering my unit numbers as your vendor suggests. Most vendors can not import unit numbers to give you the functionality necessary for look backs. We have provided people a unit archive database for this in the past.

Many places are making the same move you are. There is light at the end of the tunnel. You are getting one of the best systems on the market today. We have managed many implementations like yours, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We also work very closely with McKesson.

Has your administrator looked at barcoded systems at the bedside?

Very few hospitals are using barcoded wristbands. Some hosptals have them and don't use them for anything. It is true that the push for barcoded wristbands is coming from medication delivery. The best solution should have medication administration, blood product administration, and specimen collection. RFID is an emerging technology where no one really has a practical solution. The advantage to RFID over barcoding is that RFID does not require line of site where barcoding does. Recently JACHO withdrew a mandate for everyone to use a barcoded ID system.

Our company is the exclusive partner of McKesson to provide services on the Horizon Blood Bank System. We are available by toll free phone 877-KOR-CHEK, or email to service@korchek.com.

I agree that you can go overboard. How often are people cited for validation? The primary goal is for you to be confident in the system. Why would you validate functionality you are not using. Best thing is to keep it simple.

We have performed validation and data conversions on many different systems. We are currently talking to Hemocare about being a certified validator. Send me email if you would like to discuss further.

We are a computer validation company and have worked on all the major vendors. Please contact me if you would like insight on the systems. Gregory Francis, Korchek Technologies, 877-KOR-CHEK. greg@korchek.com

We also are a computer validation company. There are many ways to skin a cat and no one way is correct. The purpose of validation is to demonstrate confidence in the system. You are the one that must be confident with the system and whoever does the validation. Rarely do inspectors cite validation defeciencies.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me. Gregory Francis, Korchek Technologies, 877-KOR-CHEK, greg@korchek.com