What might be the consequence of not using two patient identifiers?

Using two patient identifiers is a critical safety measure in healthcare to ensure that the correct patient is receiving the correct treatment or procedure. When only one identifier is used, there is a heightened probability of errors, such as administering the wrong medication, mislabeling specimens, or mixing up patient records. This can lead to significant risks, including incorrect patient information being recorded, which may affect treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

By utilizing two patient identifiers—typically, a combination of name and date of birth or medical record number—healthcare providers can double-check that they are matching the right patient with their corresponding medical information. This practice is particularly important in settings like laboratories, where precise identification is essential to maintain the safety and integrity of patient care.

In contrast, increased patient satisfaction, faster sample collection times, and better communication with lab staff are not directly related to the failure of using two identifiers. Prioritizing accurate identification significantly guards against errors that could endanger patient safety.