Identity Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

Candida albicans is known to be a germ tube producer. The elongated, but not quite hyphal, structures that are present in this fungal group are consistent with germ tubes (see arrows).While it is possible to speculate about fungal identity from the cytospin preparation, this is truly the microbiology laboratory's role. This cytospin would be reported as "positive" for yeast and after correlating results with the microbiology laboratory, and according to your laboratory's protocols.

Remember!If the donor cannot produce positive identification, the collector must contact the employer or a designated employer representative (DER) to verify the identity of the donor. The collection must not proceed until positive identification is obtained.

Patient safety when performing a capillary blood collection includes positive patient identification prior to performing the procedure. The accepted policy in most healthcare facilities is to use two forms of identification, including a unique number if possible, such as a hospital number or medical record number.Ideally, the patient (or the parent/guardian if the patient is a small child) should be asked to spell his/her name and state his/her date of birth. This may not always be possible, but it will aid in positive patient identification whenever it can be done.The phlebotomist should LOOK at the patient's paperwork while they LISTEN to the patient's response. For inpatients, the patient identification bracelet, which must be attached to the patient's wrist or ankle, should be used to verify patient identity. A hospital number recorded on the bracelet may be used as a second identifier in the case of an inpatient.Paying close attention to these details and correcting any discrepancy discovered will greatly reduce the risk of misidentifying a patient. Always follow the policy of your facility for identification and never shortcut the patient identification procedure.

Hybridization is the pairing or annealing of two strands of DNA. Hybridization is therefore based on the formation of double stranded hybrids from single stranded nucleic acids. These double stranded hybrids form under precise conditions and are detected using probes. A probe is a set of nucleic acids of known identity which seeks out the target of interest. Depending on the detection technique, probes and/or targets can either be labeled or unlabeled and the reaction can take place with one attached to a matrix or in solution, thus dividing the techniques into two broad categories: Solid phase Solution phase

Cyberterrorism is the use of the internet for criminal purposes such as identity theft and destruction of systems. You can help your facility protect its computer system by: Never installing unlicensed or pirated software Never giving out your Username and password Avoiding improper websites and downloads

All employees have a responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of medical information. Medical information should never be discussed outside of the laboratory. Do not leave test orders or test results in areas where they can be viewed by patients. Do not discuss test results or any patient information in areas where patients can overhear the conversation. Be careful not to discuss confidential information on the telephone where patients can overhear the conversation. Employees should verify the identity of an individual requesting patient information.

All employees have a responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of medical information. Medical information should never be discussed outside of the laboratory. It should only be discussed with the ordering doctor or an authorized representative of the doctor. Employees should verify the identity of the individual requesting such information Employees who communicate with patients, physicians or their office staff, insurance company representatives or government employees about any laboratory activity should only give information they know to be true and accurate. Employees should never give false information and should never guess the answer to any question. In case of doubt, refer the person to a supervisor.

Make sure the name, medical record number, and date of birth on your order/requisition match those on the patient's armband.Verify the patient's identity by politely asking them to state their full name.

In order to prevent errors that affect specimen quality, the phlebotomist must pay close attention to detail during the entire venipuncture process. All steps of the phlebotomy procedure must be included for every venipuncture. This will help to maintain specimen integrity during the collection, transport, and handling of blood specimensProperly identify the patient every timeThe phlebotomist is responsible for correctly identifying the patient using two unique patient identifiers that include the patient's complete first and last name, medical record or hospital number, and/or date of birth. The patient location or room number, bed tag and chart are not reliable forms of identification and should not be used for patient identification. Every patient must verbalize his/her name to the phlebotomist, if able to do so. It is unacceptable for the phlebotomist to ask the patient to confirm his/her name that was verbalized by the phlebotomist. For example, the phlebotomist should say, "Would you please tell me (or spell) your name and birthdate. " The phlebotomist should NOT say, "Are you Sally Brown, and is your birthdate June 1, 1925?" If this is a hospital inpatient, check the information on the patient's wristband and confirm that the name and hospital number or medical record number matches the patient information on the test order. Never rely on identification attached to a bed, chart or door. NEVER draw a patient whose identity is not established or is in conflict. If there is a discrepancy, the phlebotomist must STOP and seek assistance to have the discrepancy resolved before proceeding with the venipuncture. If this is an outpatient that does not have a wristband, ask the patient (or guardian/caregiver) to state the patient's date of birth. A picture ID, such as a driver's license, can also be used for positive patient identification.

The following aspects of semen analysis will be described in further detail during this course:Positive patient identificationSample collection and handling informationTime to liquifactionMacroscopic sample characteristics Sperm motilityViabilitySperm differential

It is very important for phlebotomists to recognize and respond appropriately to cultural differences they encounter during performance of their job duties. Patient-centered care includes respecting the patient. If necessary, procedures should be adjusted to accommodate cultural customs, keeping in mind that patient safety must be maintained. For example, in some cultures, the male is the spokesperson for the female members of the family. If this is the case, the female patient may not speak directly to a male health care worker. This may pose a challenge to the phlebotomist when positively identifying the patient prior to venipuncture. The male may verbalize answers to all of the phlebotomist's questions but the phlebotomist must adhere to precise identification procedures. The phlebotomist, while respecting the patient's cultural customs, must be sure that accurate patient identity is established.