What is the standard practice for ensuring proper patient identification before imaging procedures?

The standard practice for ensuring proper patient identification before imaging procedures emphasizes the use of two unique identifiers. This approach is essential for confirming that the individual receiving medical services is indeed the intended patient, thereby minimizing the risk of misidentification and potential errors in treatment.

Using two unique identifiers—typically the patient's full name and date of birth—provides a robust verification method. This dual-step process not only adds a layer of security but also aligns with best practices in patient safety protocols, which are recommended by various health organizations and regulatory bodies. It serves to guard against the possibility of patients with similar names or other identifying attributes being confused.

Additionally, relying on just one unique identifier, or verifying solely through an identification badge or name confirmation, does not offer the same level of assurance and could lead to inaccuracies in patient identification. Therefore, the emphasis on two unique identifiers ensures a more comprehensive and reliable method of confirming the patient's identity before proceeding with any imaging procedures.