Barcode scanning for your specimen tracking software

You can track lab samples by labeling them with unique barcodes and scanning them at every step of the analysis. Recording the time and date of each scan alongside the specimen location in your specimen tracking software improves the safety and reliability of your laboratory workflows.

To further minimize human error, you can implement a three-way barcoding procedure: One barcode on the patient’s wristband, one on the health worker’s ID badge, and one on the specimen container. After scanning both the wristband and the ID badge, their information is stored in the specimen data barcode and in your lab sample tracking system. This approach prevents mixups and eliminates the need for manual checks.

Which barcode type you should use to label your specimens depends on how much information you want to include. Code 128 is a popular 1D barcode with a high data density that can encode the entire ASCII character set. If you want to store and retrieve even more data, the 2D barcode symbology Data Matrix is the right choice. Its small size also makes it perfect for labeling vials and tubes.

Since barcode labels can be damaged during handling, it is crucial to use powerful barcode scanning software. You can implement the Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK into your mobile or web app to benefit from its accuracy and reliability. It correctly reads even barcode labels damaged by harsh storage conditions and allows for scanning multiple barcodes at once.