Packer Banker

We record the following: NameDOBDate and time of drawPhlebotomist initials (all trained phlebotomists are on file)We have just recently changed our policy to delete the MR# from the required information. This was done to standardize the banded info between inpatients and outpatients. I have to admit, I was quite distressed about this. I've since decided however, as we use the typenex system, that in itself is a unique identifier. I'll live...

We do a retype regardless of time constraints- as stated before, a retype really doesn't take too long. If another tech is available, a second tech does the retype. If not, the first tech does the retype and orders a second retype for another tech to complete at a later time. Also related- We are an independent lab within a hospital system. We fairly recently started a policy regarding specimens drawn by non-lab employees. If a non-lab employee draws (and bands) a sample for cross-match, we do the appropriate testing and issue only type O blood when there is no type on file for that patient. This doesn't happen very often- it's most common with dialysis patients off-site.

In addition to clerical checks, we do Pre: Visual check, ABO/Rh, hgb, DAT or auto control Post: Visual check, ABO/Rh, hgb, DAT, urine hgb (& urine RBC if positive) BTW, I realize this is not the issue here, but are the non-1st tier tests billed out separately? I can't imagine a haptoglobin cost being recovered. I don't know that we're even getting our hgb & urine testing paid for... Hope your mind's at ease about the extra chemistry testing--

Posted twice- sorry. Just look at my number of posts, and I suppose you'll understand...