Bedside Point-of-Care Systems

Patient safety is a growing concern throughout hospitals and healthcare facilities around the country. One way to enhance patient safety is by making sure that patient laboratory samples are properly identified and labeled. Surprisingly large numbers of errors in diagnosis and treatment occur every day because specimens are mislabeled or unlabeled when they reach the laboratory. With the advent of barcoded wristbands, the opportunity to create accurate labels for identifying patient specimens is enhanced through the use of simple technology. Goal 1A of JCAHO's National Patient Safety Goals relates to labeling specimens following patient identification standards. The Joint Commission requires that providers “use two identifiers to label sample collection containers in the presence of the patient.” Pre-labeled tubes and specimen containers and reaching for pre-printed labels from a patient’s chart can lead to mistakes that can lead to disastrous results. In keeping with JCAHO standards, Identi-Match™ Laboratory creates labels at the patient’s bedside eliminating the risk of errors associated with misidentified specimens and patients.

Identi-Match™ benefits everyone. Hospital executives, caregivers and patients will rest easier knowing that patient safety is being safeguarded when Identi-Match™ is used and will be delighted about the cost-effectiveness of the system. It’s a sure way to improve outcomes and generate the kind of results everyone wants. St. John is working on new modules to extend to blood bank, pharmacy and other departments that will easily be linked to this modular system, making the product affordable and scalable. Hospitals of all sizes can benefit from this system without worrying about going beyond their capital and operational budgets.