Does anybody use a BB wristband with only an ID number on it and no patient info? If so, does it serve you well?

Digi-trax has provided a bar coded ID wristband system to Lancaster General Hospital in Pennsylvania. It only has a single bar code number ( "R" Number ) assigned in the blood bank. There are multiple labels used with special transfusion band and labels for tubes etc.

Our ID band is similiar to the "Hollister" band with a preprinted blood bank id number. we do require patient information on the id band - patient name, Medical Record number. The nurses/patient care techs that draw the samples usually attach a pre-printed patient label to the band instead of hand writing the information.

Dear Kestril:

Digi-Trax would be happy to send you an actual sample and information on the bar coded system we put in place at Lancaster General. If you email you contact information to rkriozere@digi-trac.com we will send you the material.

We used a number-only wristband with our "John Doe" and multiple-trauma patient protocols. But I've always wanted to use it routinely.

Getting and keeping the name and number correct on an ER wristband is more difficult than you think !! Actually, I don't care if the MRN or even the name is correct; if the patient was drawn and banded at the same time, whoever is wearing that wristband is compatible with the units I prepared ...