I was wondering what everyone does to comply with the CAP regulation for identifying the patient. For our inpatients, we have handhelds that scan the patient and print out the labels. The problem is for our outpatient and ER, we aren't using the scanners. I just need some suggestions to comply.

Thanks,

Kathyang

We use the same handheld scanners for ED patients. For outpatients the phlebotomist approaches the lab waiting area and states, "Who is next?" The patient presents with the physician's order and the phlebotomist asks the patient to state their name. After confirming the name on the order with what the patient has stated, the phlebotomist asks the patient to state their date of birth. This information is also on the physician's order after going through registration. These two identifiers are listed in our SOP. The questions are scripted to ensure each phlebotomist asks these critical questions each time. After a few visits the patients begin to predict the questions and answer them before asked. Hope this helps.