Bar codes in the clinical laboratory.
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Date
1992-08-27
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Abstract
A basic overview of bar code technology is presented with a focus on applications in the clinical laboratory Bar codes operate based on symbology a pattern of bars and white spaces that define alphanumeric characters The codes are read by scanners which may be stationary or handheld Bar codes may be printed using any of several available methods Bar codes are currently being implemented in several areas of health care including materials management clinical laboratory pharmacy medical records and asset management Planning for implementation of a bar code system is very much like computer installation in terms of systems analysis and design procedures and training Clinical laboratories should consider use of bar code systems as they often are faster better and more cost effective than available alternatives