A system that embodies a secure, pictorial marker to prevent surgical site errors is provided. The pictorial marker may be adapted to utilize visual processing to provide accurate and reliable information regarding a predetermined surgical site in an easy, intuitive manner. The pictorial marker may be created at the time of the decision to proceed with a surgical procedure regarding the predetermined surgical site. A systemic apparatus may protect the pictorial marker from degradation, maintain the confidentiality of the pictorial marker and other patient identifying information, and secure the pictorial marker to an appendage of the patient nearest the predetermined surgical site.
