Back to results

University of San Francisco

SPECIMEN LABELING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: SLIP

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>Blood specimens are labeled at the time of acquisition in order to identify and match the specimen, label, and order to the patient. While the labeling process is not new, it is frequently laden with errors (Brown, Smith, & Sherfy, 2011). Wrong blood in tube (WBIT) poses significant risk. Multiple factors contribute to mislabeling errors, including lax policies, limited technological solutions, decentralized labeling processes, multi-tasking, distraction from the clinician, and insufficient education and training of staff. To reduce blood specimen labeling errors, a large academic medical center implemented an innovative technological solution for specimen labeling that integrates patient identification, physician order, and laboratory specimen identification through barcode technology that interfaces with the electronic medical record at the point of care. A failure mode, effects and critical analysis (FMECA) were completed to assess for system failure points, and to design workflow prior to training staff. Four failure points were identified and eliminated through workflow adjustments with the new system. Staff training utilizing simulation highlighted system safety points. This quality improvement process applied across adult and pediatric acute and critical care units provided dramatic reductions in blood specimen labeling errors pre/post intervention.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Level thesis:degree_level
Project
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Nursing
Year dc:date.available
2014

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Hoiting, Traci
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Dr. KT Waxman
  • Dr. Amy Nichols
  • Dr. Daphne Stannard

Subjects

dc:subject × 10

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://repository.usfca.edu/dnp/44
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:repository.usfca.edu:dnp-1051

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of San Francisco
Base URL
repository.usfca.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Hoiting, Traci. SPECIMEN LABELING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: SLIP. Project thesis, 2014. https://repository.usfca.edu/dnp/44