> ## Setting Universal ID format

> All subjects entered into AudBase can have a unique identification number, known as the universal ID. The universal ID preferences item allows an administrator to format a unique ID to prevent different sites in a multi-center clinical trial from entering duplicate subjects.

> The formatting set here will automatically apply to the Universal ID field on the Subject Info form. The auto-formatting is designed for the convenience of data entry personnel, although they can override it if desired. A format consists of the special characters "$" for any number, "@" for any letter, and "?" for either letter or number. Spaces and other characters such as hyphens should also be entered here, and will then appear automatically. For example, the University of Washington Medical Center uses the following format:

> U 1-23-45-67

> To set up this format, you would type the following:

> U $-$$-$$-$$

> The data entry person need only enter the variable number portion of the number (in the example, 1234567) and it will be automatically formatted.

> Related topics
> Entering subject records