Double-Sided Specimen Labeling for Error Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current specimen handling in clinical settings is prone to errors due to hurried processes, leading to incorrect labeling and potential fatal mistakes, as steps are often skipped or performed out of order.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a double-sided label system for specimen containers, where each label has a unique pair of barcodes or identifiers linked in an electronic medical record system, ensuring that the relationship between them can only be determined by the computer, preventing manual entry errors and ensuring correct sequencing and timing of events during specimen collection and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional single-label specimen handling is used, then the process is simple and quick, but mislabeling errors occur due to hurried processes and skipped steps
Solution Approach 1:
The label is divided into two distinct sides: a first side with a first barcode scanned before specimen collection, and a second side with a second barcode scanned after collection. This segmentation ensures that each scanning event is distinct and traceable, preventing mislabeling by requiring both scans to be associated with the same specimen container through the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The first barcode is scanned and recorded in the system before the specimen is actually collected. This preliminary action establishes an expected sequence in the system, which later verifies that the second scan occurs after collection. The system stores the first scan data and uses it to validate the subsequent second scan, ensuring proper sequencing without adding manual verification steps.
2Reliability
If manual entry of identification numbers is allowed, then the process is flexible, but decoding errors and manual entry mistakes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual decoding and entry of identification numbers with automated barcode scanning. Barcode scanners optically read the encoded information and transmit it directly to the system, eliminating manual keyboard entry and reducing human error. The system automatically processes the scanned barcode data without requiring staff to manually type or interpret complex identification numbers.
3Reliability
If additional tracking steps are added to prevent errors, then specimen safety improves, but time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode scanning process is integrated into the existing specimen collection workflow without creating separate verification steps. The first scan occurs naturally during the collection process, and the second scan occurs during routine post-collection handling. The system continuously tracks the specimen through both scans automatically, maintaining useful action throughout the process rather than adding discrete verification interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically correlates the first and second barcode scans and verifies their association with the correct specimen container and collection event. The computer system performs the verification and sequencing validation autonomously without requiring staff to manually check or document anything. The system self- validates that the scans occurred in the correct sequence and are properly associated, eliminating the need for additional manual verification resources.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure presents systems and methods of specimen container labeling and tracking. One such method comprises linking a pair of identification numbers with one another within a specimen test order in an electronic medical record system in advance of the pair of identification numbers being printed on a double sided container label; receiving a first machine readable identifier on a first side of the label before a specimen is collected; transmitting a first identification number represented by a scanned first machine readable identifier to the record system; receiving a second machine readable identifier on a second side of the label after the specimen is collected; transmitting a second identification number represented by a scanned second machine readable identifier to the record system; and authorizing the specimen to be tested after verifying that the second identification number is associated with the specimen test order and/or the first machine readable identifier.