title: Improving the accuracy of specimen labeling.
abstract: Accurate specimen identification is a challenge in all hospitals. A mislabeled specimen can lead to devastating consequences for a patient. In an effort to decrease the risk of potential harm caused by labeling errors, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota successfully implemented a Zero Tolerance Laboratory Specimen Labeling process. After months of studying, charting, networking, and communicating with all stakeholders the new process led to a 75% reduction in laboratory specimen labeling errors.
authors.affiliation: Childrens Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota Laboratory, St Paul, MN 55102, USA. bobbi.dock@childrenshc.org
authors.forename: Bobbi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dock
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital; D019300:Medical Errors; D010355:Patient Identification Systems; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*