Barcoded patient armbands significantly improve patient safety by automating identity checks before critical procedures, such as medication administration or blood transfusions. This technology links the patient directly to their electronic health record (EHR) via a scannable code, minimizing human error. When the armband fails to scan, it presents a challenge to the workflow, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.
First Actions: Prioritizing Patient Safety
The immediate response to a non-scanning armband is to pause the procedure entirely. Safety protocols mandate that scanning convenience never takes precedence over patient identification integrity. Before proceeding, the healthcare professional must verbally confirm the patient’s identity using at least two distinct person-specific identifiers.
The most common identifiers are the patient’s full name and date of birth. The patient states this information, which is cross-referenced with the data displayed on the electronic record or a physical chart. Identifiers like room number or physical location are never acceptable, as they are not unique to the individual.
Common Reasons for Scan Failure
Technological failures often stem from issues with the armband itself, the scanning hardware, or the underlying computer system. Armband problems are frequently physical, such as a smudged barcode, faded ink due to poor print quality, or moisture damage that distorts the lines. The band’s placement can also be a factor, as a linear barcode curving tightly around a patient’s wrist may be difficult for the scanner to read accurately.
Scanner issues can include a low battery, a dirty scanner window, or a temporary disconnection from the network. A quick visual check and repositioning of the band or trying a different scanner are often the first troubleshooting steps. System-side issues, such as network latency or electronic health record downtime, can also prevent a successful scan.
The Manual Verification Protocol
If a quick adjustment does not resolve the issue, the process moves to a formal manual verification and documentation protocol. The human-readable text printed directly on the armband, which includes the full name and medical record number, is manually entered into the electronic system. This process must occur only after the verbal confirmation of the two person-specific identifiers has been successfully completed.
In many healthcare settings, manually overriding the system requires a secondary verification step, often involving a second staff member or a supervisor to confirm the patient’s details against the chart. The scan failure, the reason for it (if known), and the successful manual verification process must be meticulously documented in the patient’s record. This documentation is crucial for maintaining a safety audit trail.
The final step is generating a replacement armband as soon as the immediate care task is complete. A new, clearly printed band must be created and immediately affixed to the patient. The faulty or non-scanning band must be removed and discarded immediately to prevent any possibility of a mix-up or accidental use in the future.