True ID: Abbott Freestyle Glucometers

Hi POC friends!

Is anyone using true ID with the Abbott Freestyle? Currently we require our staff to confirm the patient’s ID by entering the last digits of the birthdate. I track the number of unconfirmed IDs each month. Of course our staff are confirming the patient ID with two unique identifiers according to the NPSG. However, we are wondering if the birthday confirmation is necessary. Since the patient ID is scanned via barcode and sent to the middleware, LIS, and medial record via automated interface do we need to include the second identifier on the front end?

We are TJC accredited and recently posed this question regarding intermediate worksheets. We were told that instrument printouts do not require a second identifier when the results are sent automatically via interface. Now I’m wondering if we are requiring an extra step with the glucometer that isn’t needed.

What are your thoughts on this? Thanks!

Ruth Harmala

POCC, MLS

UP Health System-Marquette

Marquette, MI

906-449-3243

ruth.harmala@mghs.org

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