Bar Code ID Bands

Imprinter Bands & Write-On Bands

Insert Bands & Cards

Mother-Infant Bands

Xtender BandTM

Short Stay Visitor Band

Safety Alert Bands

Identification Accessories

Using Identification Bands

 

Using Patient Identification Bands

Poor patient identification has been identified as the primary cause of many incidents and near misses in the delivery of health care in Australia and around the world.

The following information may assist practitioners in the correct identification of patients upon admission to their institution. This is a series of recommendations only and is by no means comprehensive. Practitioners should consult the policies and procedures of their institution regarding the process and practice of
identifying patients.

1. Identify the patient according to approved practices.
2. Select the correct identification band size, style and colour to be used according to the requirements of the patient and the policy of the institution.
3. Apply the identification information to the band while in front of the patient
   • Ensure the information is clear and legible, especially if hand-written
   • Ensure the main identifiers are clearly visible: Name, Date of Birth and Medical Record Number.
4. Apply the band to the dominant wrist as intravenous cannulation is often first performed on the non-dominant side
   • Use the other wrist if intravenous therapy is already in progress
   • Ensure one finger space underneath the band to prevent the band being too tight or too loose
   • Apply a second band around the ankle on the same side if this is the practice in your institution
5. Remove excess strap length for improved patient comfort.
6. Observe each shift for the following:
   • Missing or damaged band, especially at the closure point
   • Damaged or faded information or information field
   • Constriction by the band due to limb swelling, etc
   • Loose fitting of the band that may facilitate removal.
7. Replace the identification band immediately:
   • If the existing band is removed for any reason such as intravenous therapy or other procedure
   • If blood or other body fluids spill onto the band.
8. Change the band at least one each week to maintain the legibility of the information on the band
   and to prevent complications such as infections.