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Standard Patient Identification NICU
Standard Patient Identification NICU
Definition
Patient Identification is the act of identifying an individual as the person for whom the service or
treatment is intended.
Goal
The success of many treatments and activities within the hospital depends on ensuring the
intended, correct patient identity has been established. This policy has been developed to provide
direction as to how this should be performed. Correct patient identification and application of
Individual Patient Identification Bands (namebands) is an essential stage in the care process as
there could be significant consequences if an error is made.
Objectives:
Procedure
If unable to obtain footprints, write on footprint sheet "Unable to obtain footprints due to critical
condition of infant."
Maternal Fingerprint
Identification Bracelets
All newborns have 2 name bands in place. Prior to delivery the Midwife undertaking or assisting
the delivery shall complete the first name band. Follow these steps:
1. Fill out inserts with the following information: Maternal race, gender of infant, mother's
name, mother's unit number, date and time of birth and physician's name.
2. Confirm that the printed numbers on the bracelets match.
3. Place inserts completely into bracelet and tear at perforation.
4. Place the short bands on the infant, on opposite wrist and ankle. The band should be
secure, but loose enough to move easily around the circumference of the limb without
slipping off. For the wristband, pull the band tight across the wrist with your finger,
clamp with finger in place under the band. For the ankle, leave 1 1/2 cm or 1 finger width
between the band and the ankle.
5. The entire insert should be legible when clamp is secured. It's acceptable on infants of
less than 34 weeks gestation for band to fit more loosely.
6. Place long band on mother's wrist.
The mother or birth partner shall be asked to confirm the patient identification with the Midwife.
Following delivery the name band, see example 2, shall be applied to the infant's ankle as soon
as is clinically practicable.
The mother or birth partner shall then confirm the details with the Midwife. Following delivery
the name band shall be applied to the infant's ankle as soon as is practicable. Infants requiring
admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) shall have the 1st name band as a
minimum transfer requirement. On arrival to the postnatal ward, the receiving Midwife/HCP
shall check the details and apply the 2nd name band, checking the details with the transferring
Midwife/HCP this action shall be documented in the nursing care plan. If the baby is receiving
any kind of investigation/treatment then a name band with the baby's unique hospital number
should be applied and the previous one removed and destroyed. If a baby has not yet been
named, the name band, specimen/sample and request card shall read Baby boy/girl.
Choice of Limb
For the NICU admissions where it is not clinically practicable for a name band to be applied, the
name band shall be applied to the inside of the incubator that is visible. The name band shall be
applied to be comfortable but ensure that it cannot be self-removed.
If more than one infant, the band inserts and all paperwork are marked Baby A, B, C, etc. in
order of birth. Babies born outside the hospital or in the Emergency Room of UAMS will be
banded in the same manner as babies born in the hospital. The name band shall only be removed
when the discharge procedure is complete.
1. Fill out three (3) inserts with infant's name, date of birth, mother's name, readmission
date, and baby's medical record number.
2. Confirm that the printed numbers on the bracelets match.
3. Place inserts completely into bracelet and tear at perforation.
4. Place the short bands on the infant, on opposite wrist and ankle. The band should be
secure, but loose enough to move easily around the circumference of the limb without
slipping off. For the wristband, pull the band tight across the wrist with your finger,
clamp with finger in place under the band. For the ankle, leave 1 1/2 cm or 1 finger width
between the band and the ankle.
5. The entire insert should be legible when clamp is secured. It's acceptable on infants of
less than 34 weeks gestation for band to fit more loosely
6. Place mother's band on infant's bed to be given to mother at her next visit.
EQUIPMENT
REFERENCES
Approved by:
Director of Nursing
Standard Patient Identification in NICU
May 2015