Which patient is mine?

When the radiology department receives a request form, it is the radiographers duty to correctly identify the patient before any imaging takes place. Taking images of the incorrect patient may lead to fines, disqualification of radiation license, dissmisal and possible litigation.

• Patients name - both first and last (only asking for one name is not sufficient)
  
• Patients date of birth

• Patients UR (unit record) or hospital number on an indentification tag on their wrist or ankle
  
• Patients Address

Ask the patient for both their First and Last names. Asking for only one name is insufficient as there may be many patients with the same name, especially in a large hospital setting.

This is a secondary check as there may be multiple patients with the same common name eg: John Smith.

It is especially important to check the UR number, many patients are unable to respond or respond incorrectly when asked their name. This check takes away any ambiguity. Hospitals often place this on a tag located on the wrist or ankle of patients.

Asking the patient their address is another secondary check for the correct patient

Topics related to this article

• Request form