Whose PCV Tubes Are in the Spinner?

To cut down on the question, “Whose PCV tubes are in the spinner?” at our busy emergency hospital, we attach a laminated, 3 × 5 index card to the centrifuge. We use double-sided adhesive tabs to affix the card to the top of the centrifuge, making sure not to cover the vent. We then write on the card in dry erasable marker the name of each patient and the number of its tube slot position in the centrifuge. This system works really well during busy times when multiple technicians are using the centrifuge, and it’s a simple, inexpensive way to eliminate confusion and the potential for sample mix-ups.
Melissa Farrell, CVT, and Jessica Carroll, CVT
Ventnor, New Jersey

Do Not Enter . . . Yet

After disinfecting examination rooms in which infectious patients have been, we place pet photos on the door handles to remind us not to take other patients into the rooms for at least 24 hours. The cards are hole-punched twice to run a string through for the handle, as well as laminated for easy reuse. The cards are an important reminder, and clients enjoy seeing the cute pet photos.
Tami Bond, LVT
Monroe, Washington

Organizing E-Collars

To keep Elizabethan collars easily accessible and neatly displayed, we put hooks on the wall and hang the collars according to size. Some collars already have holes; for those that don’t, we use a large hole-punch. This system helps to ensure we have access to all the sizes we need—when we need them.
Jennifer Clodfelter, RVT
Greencastle, Indiana