A lost lab sample can result in anything from an inconvenience for the patient to a devastating diagnosis.
It’s easy to see how these mistakes happen. The label falls off the sample. The handwriting is read incorrectly. There’s a shift change and the sample somehow never makes it to the lab. Even worse, the sample is taken from the wrong patient!
Human error is behind all of these specimen label mistakes. A barcode solution tightens this gaping hole for medical errors. Collecting and tracking a specimen begins with ensuring positive patient identification—scanning the barcode on the wristband and comparing it with the requisition.
The next step is to produce a barcode label at the point of care. Apply a printed (not handwritten) label as soon as the sample is drawn. With a purpose-built handheld computer and a mobile printer, the task is quickly and accurately accomplished.
Lattice developed a total technology solution to efficiently handle specimen collection labeling. MediCopia is a modular software platform that makes it easy for the technician to record the sample, the collector’s ID, and the date and time of the collection. The data is transferred to the laboratory information system, triggering the tracking of the sample. MediCopia increases turnaround time on the processing of lab samples and ensures greater accuracy and SOP compliance.
The specimen collection and tracking solution also includes the Zebra TC51-HC healthcare mobile computer, a handheld that looks like a consumer smartphone but is engineered for more demanding, healthcare-related use. The TC51-HC features medical-grade design, and enterprise-level security, data collection, and connectivity enhancements. In addition, the Zebra QLn220-HC is a lightweight, compact mobile printer that easily fits in a pocket, on a belt or trolley. Like the TC51-HC, this barcode label printer is built for medical use, and feature lasting battery power to avoid downtime.
Finally, your labels should provide the print quality and durability to withstand the extreme temperatures and solvents that are used during testing.
Talk to Lattice about the solution for preventing errors that result from specimen label mistakes. We’ll guide you through your options to make sure you get the best fit for your needs