title: Use of bar code labels on collection tubes for specimen management in the clinical laboratory.
abstract: A new generation in specimen handling has arrived with the introduction of bar code readers on medical laboratory equipment. The incorporation of this technology into laboratory information systems offers a streamlining of specimen workflow never before achievable in a laboratory environment. The use of evacuated collection tubes as the primary sampling container on a random-access chemistry analyzer interfaced to a laboratory information system creates a very simplified sampling/analysis system with tremendous advantages. There are significant labor savings, superior service to clinicians, and reduced chances for clerical error.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Oncology, Kansas University Medical Hospital, Kansas City.
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Tilzer
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D003201:Computers; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D014941:Work Simplification