Document Type : Letter to the Editor

Authors

• Mehrdad Karajizadeh ¹
• Mohammadreza Khosravi ¹
• Sharam Paydar ¹
• Mahnaz Yadollahi ¹
• Sajed Arabian ²

¹ Trauma Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

² Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Management & Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences,Shiraz, Iran.

Abstract

Accurate and rapid patient identification remains a persistent challenge in emergency and trauma care. Patients often arrive unconscious, unaccompanied, or without valid identification, increasing the risk of medication errors, delayed treatment, duplicate records, and medico-legal complications (1, 2). A robust and automated identification system is essential to improve patient safety and clinical efficiency.Traditional methods such as verbal confirmation, wristbands, or identity cards are often unreliable in chaotic settings. Biometric technologies, already widely used in banking and border control, are now entering healthcare for secure and rapid recognition. Among these, palm vein biometrics offers distinct advantages due to its contactless capture, internal anatomical basis, and exceptionally low error rates (3). Palm vein recognition uses near-infrared (NIR) imaging to visualize the unique vascular pattern within the palm. Because NIR light is absorbed by deoxygenated hemoglobin, a clear image of the subdermal vein network is captured and digitally encoded (4). Each individual’s vein pattern is unique and stable across their lifespan, even among identical twins (5). Recognition is rapid and unaffected by superficial injuries or skin contamination, making it highly suitable for emergency use(6).

Keywords

• Palm Vein
• Biometrics
• Emergency Department
• Trauma
• Patient Identification