1. Patient Identification Protocols

Patient identification is the process of correctly confirming a patient’s identity before providing collecting specimens.

Correct identification helps to:

Prevent medical and laboratory errors
Ensure the right treatment for the right patient
Avoid specimen mix-ups
Improve patient safety
Maintain accurate medical records

Healthcare workers should use at least two identifiers before any procedure.

Common Patient Identifiers

Full name
Date of birth
Hospital registration number or ID number
Wristband/barcode information

Example

Before blood collection, the phlebotomist should ask:

“Please tell me your full name.”
“What is your date of birth?”

The answers should match the request form and wristband.

Patient Identification Protocol Steps

Greet the patient politely.
Introduce yourself.
Ask the patient to state their name and date of birth.
Check the wristband or hospital ID.
Match information with laboratory forms or medical records.
Label specimens immediately after collection.

Special Situations

Unconscious Patients

Verify identity using wristbands and medical records.
Confirm with nursing staff or attendants.

Pediatric Patients

Confirm identity with parents or guardians.
Check child identification bands.

Common Identification Errors

Mislabeling of specimens
Using room number as identifier
Failure to verify patient identity
Collecting samples from the wrong patient

Prevention of Errors

Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Use barcode systems when available
Double-check patient details

2. Consent and Communication

Consent is the permission given by a patient for a medical examination, treatment, or procedure after understanding its purpose and possible risks.

Types of Consent

1. Implied Consent

Consent understood through patient actions.

Example: Extending an arm for blood collection.

2. Verbal Consent

Patient gives spoken permission.

Common for routine procedures.

3. Written Consent

Required for invasive or high-risk procedures.

Example: Surgery or blood transfusion.

Elements of Valid Consent

For consent to be valid, the patient must:

Be informed about the procedure
Understand the information
Give permission voluntarily
Be mentally competent

Importance of Consent

Protects patient rights
Builds trust between patient and healthcare worker
Reduces legal and ethical issues
Encourages patient cooperation

Communication with Patients

Communication is the exchange of information between healthcare workers and patients.

Reduces patient anxiety
Improves cooperation
Ensures accurate information collection
Enhances quality of care

Types of Communication

Verbal Communication

Use of spoken words.

Speak clearly and politely.

Non-Verbal Communication

Communication through:

Facial expressions
Eye contact
Body language
Gestures

Written Communication

Use of forms, instructions, and reports.

Communication Skills for Healthcare Workers

Be respectful and polite
Listen carefully
Use simple language
Maintain confidentiality
Show empathy and patience

Barriers to Communication

Language differences
Hearing problems
Anxiety or fear
Cultural differences
Lack of attention

Overcoming Communication Barriers

Use interpreters if needed
Speak slowly and clearly
Confirm patient understanding

3. Patient Positioning and Preparation

Patient preparation refers to the steps taken before a medical or laboratory procedure to ensure accurate results and patient comfort.

Importance of Patient Preparation

Ensures reliable test results
Reduces complications
Improves patient safety
Enhances procedure success

Common Preparation Requirements

Fasting

Some tests require fasting for 8–12 hours.
Examples:

Blood glucose
Lipid profile

Medication Restrictions

Certain medicines may affect test results.

Medication Type	Possible Effect on Tests
Antibiotics	May affect culture and sensitivity results
Steroids	Can increase blood glucose and white blood cell count
Anticoagulants	Affect coagulation tests such as PT and APTT
Iron supplements	Influence iron studies
Diuretics	Alter electrolyte levels
Vitamin supplements	May interfere with biochemical assays

Hydration

Adequate water intake may help during specimen collection.

Avoiding Exercise or Smoking

Can affect some laboratory tests. CK, ALT, AST increase after strenuous activity; causes muscle breakdown, which can be mistakenly interpreted as damage or disease.

Kidney Function: Elevated levels of creatinine and urea can appear in blood work after intense workouts.

Hormones: Levels of cortisol, adrenaline, and testosterone can temporarily rise.
Lipid Panel (Cholesterol): Physical activity can affect triglyceride levels.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): Intensive activities like cycling can temporarily raise PSA levels.

Patient Positioning

Patient positioning means placing the patient in the correct posture for examination, specimen collection, or treatment.

Importance of Proper Positioning

Provides patient comfort
Prevents injury
Allows easy access for procedures
Improves accuracy and safety

Common Patient Positions

1. Sitting Position

Patient sits upright.
Common for blood collection and examination.

2. Supine Position

Patient lies flat on the back.
Used during physical examination and some procedures.

3. Prone Position

Patient lies on the abdomen.
Used for back examinations.

4. Lateral Position

Patient lies on the side.
Used for unconscious patients and some procedures.

Safety Measures During Positioning

Support weak or elderly patients
Use side rails if needed
Avoid sudden movements
Maintain patient privacy
Observe for dizziness or discomfort

Role of Medical Laboratory Technologists

Medical laboratory technologists must:

Correctly identify patients
Communicate professionally
Ensure proper patient preparation
Follow safety and ethical guidelines
Maintain confidentiality
Accurately label and handle specimens

Unit 3: Patient Preparation and Identification