In the presentation I saw for MGH, they have the accession number, block 
ID and barcode.

Victor

Victor Tobias
Clinical Applications Analyst
University of Washington Medical Center
Dept of Pathology Room BB220
1959 NE Pacific
Seattle, WA 98195
victor@pathology.washington.edu
206-598-2792
206-598-7659 Fax
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chiggerson@memhosp.com wrote:
> Good question! I think the preferred solution is a barcode that is linked 
> to the patient's information.  I am not sure if user readability is 
> required. I would think not if you are using bar code readers at embedding 
> and microtomy like some larger institutions are doing.  I think MGH 
> implemented such a system.  They scan their block just before microtomy 
> and the labels for that block print right at the microtome.  You can't get 
> better positive patient ID than that! I assume that the accession number 
> is also on the block because you still have to file and retrieve it. It 
> would be interesting to find out if they are using just the bar code and 
> acession number, or if they also have patient name. 
>
> Is there any one from MGH out there that can answer this?
>
> Thanks,
> Cindy 
>
>
>
>
>
> "Jesus Ellin"  
> 08/15/2006 11:43 AM
>
> To
> chiggerson@memhosp.com, "Richard Yeo" , "Blazek, Linda" 
> 
> cc
> histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject
> RE: [Histonet] Two patient identifiers and handwritten blocks
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Could one of the Identifiers be a 2D barcode or just a plain barcode.
> This is generted specificly for this block with this patients
> information.  That could be used as a identifier, or does it have to be
> something that is a readable identifer to everyone that is handling that
> case.?? 
>
>
> Jesus A. Ellin HT ASCP
> Yuma Regional Medical Center
> Histology Systems Technologist
> Pathology Information Systems
> 928-336-7444 or 928-336-1144
> Fax: 928-336-7319
>  
>  
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> [mailto:histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
> chiggerson@memhosp.com
> Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 9:22 AM
> To: Richard Yeo; Blazek, Linda
> Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] Two patient identifiers and handwritten blocks
>
> Okay, so I do not receive any more "flaming" and vicious e-mails, let me
> clarify.
>
> JCAHO requires two patient identifiers when collecting specimens,
> administering meds, etc. JCAHO recommends and encourages laboratories to
> use two patient identifiers on all aliquots (this includes blocks and
> slides). Our institution has implemented a two patient identifier policy
> before taking any action with a patient, patient specimen, or patient
> record (NOT just specimen collection).  This is institution wide. In
> addition, the laboratory has implemented the two patient identifier
> policy for all testing phases including preanalytical, analytical and
> postanalytical for both specimens and records. This is not only
> recommended by JCAHO but also recommended by CAP. Please note it is
> currently a recommendation, not a requirement. If you need a reference,
> refer to CAP's publication "Quality Management in Anatomic Pathology". 
> Recommendations for including two patient identifiers on both frozen
> section slides and on all blocks and slides is located in the chapter
> "Strategies for Error Reduction and Prevention in Surgical Pathology". 
> More and more institutions are taking these recommendatioins seriously
> and implementing policies both institution wide and laboratory wide.
> Mine is such a place. We have always used two patient identifiers,
> except on the blocks. Therefore, for those that are taking this
> seriously, I would like to know which two patient identifiers are used
> and how you implemented it. 
>  I NEED to comply with my institutional and laboratory's policies.
>
>
> Thanks,
> Cindy 
>
>
>
>
>
> "Richard Yeo" 
> 08/15/2006 10:31 AM
>
> To
> 
> cc
>
> Subject
> RE: [Histonet] Two patient identifiers and handwritten blocks
>
>
>
>
>
>
> SPECIMENS COMING INTO THE LAB REQUIRE TWO PATIENT IDENTIFIERS, NAME/DATE
> OF BIRTH/SSN#...
> NOT PARAFFIN BLOCKS/SLIDES. 
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> [mailto:histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
> chiggerson@memhosp.com
> Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 9:37 AM
> To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: [Histonet] Two patient identifiers and handwritten blocks
>
> For those of you that are still handwriting accession numbers on your
> blocks:
>
> 1.      Do you require both the accession number and the patient's name
> to
> be handwritten on the cassettes to meet the two patient identifier
> patient safety requirement?
>
> 2.      If so, do you require the patient's full name? Or last name,
> first
> initial?
>
> 3.      If not using the patient's name as the second identifier, what
> are
> you using? Medical Record Number? 
>
> 4.      If not using two patient identifiers (accession number only),
> how
> are you justifying not using two identifiers to meet the patient safety
> requirements?
>
> 5.      For those that have implemented adding a second handwritten 
> identifier to blocks, how did your staff react?
>
> The obvious solution is a cassette labeler, however it just is not going
> to happen soon.  Thank you in advance for your response to this very
> important issue. 
>
> Thanks,
> Cindy 
>
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