We had a similer problem, were the first names were cut off on armband/patient labels. We found the problem lied in the program used to make these labels. The fix was to change the format of the labels so the last name prints on the first line and the first (and middle initial) print below it on the second line. While the problem was being fixed we insisted on both the billing # and the MRN along with the patients name be on all samples for blood bank. I find it regrettable that all areas of the lab are not required to use as strict patient ID as BB but the powers that be require samples for transfusion to be strictly labeled. Maybe you should find the Blood Bank standards that apply and take them to your meeting. I am called anal about proper identification and labeling of samples for blood bank use. Don't give in on this, it could cost a life!
We had a similer problem, were the first names were cut off on armband/patient labels. We found the problem lied in the program used to make these labels. The fix was to change the format of the labels so the last name prints on the first line and the first (and middle initial) print below it on the second line. While the problem was being fixed we insisted on both the billing # and the MRN along with the patients name be on all samples for blood bank. I find it regrettable that all areas of the lab are not required to use as strict patient ID as BB but the powers that be require samples for transfusion to be strictly labeled. Maybe you should find the Blood Bank standards that apply and take them to your meeting. I am called anal about proper identification and labeling of samples for blood bank use. Don't give in on this, it could cost a life!