US hospitals fear Armstrong bracelet mix-up

A US hospital chain is removing patients' "LiveStrong" wristbands because they are yellow - the same colour they use for the "do not resuscitate" bands put on patients who don't want to be saved if their heart stops.

The bracelets - for which proceeds go to fight cancer - have sold in huge numbers and have become popular through their association with sportsmen, with many Premiership stars seen wearing the bands.

No mix-ups have been reported, but health officials don't want to take any chances.

"It could be confusing, particularly in the situation of a code or a cardiac arrest where people have to think very quickly," said a spokeswoman for the Morton Plant Mease Health Care.

"We wouldn't want to mistake a Lance Armstrong bracelet and not resuscitate someone we're supposed to."

Hospitals use coloured bracelets to quickly tell doctors, nurses and other staff special instructions for certain patients.

The LiveStrong rubber bracelets are sold through the Lance Armstrong Foundation, part of the Tour de France legend's efforts to raise money for cancer education and research.