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Manual labelling and tracking of medical specimens
Medical facilities frequently rely on manual processes for labelling and tracking patient samples from the point of collection to the laboratory. This manual intervention introduces significant risk for human error at every stage. Staff members are burdened with handwritten labels and undocumented handoffs, creating vulnerabilities in the specimen chain of custody. When tracking is not automated, the likelihood of mishandling samples increases, causing widespread disruption across the healthcare environment.
The negative consequences of these tracking failures extend directly to patient care and operational efficiency. Lost samples require patients to undergo repeat collections, causing frustration and delaying critical diagnoses. These operational bottlenecks lead to high costs for the facility, wasted clinical time, and compromised patient safety when treatment decisions are postponed due to missing laboratory results.
The automated specimen identification and tracking solution
Healthcare providers can overcome tracking challenges by implementing a unified system using Zebra HC50 and HC55 Healthcare Mobile Computers and Zebra ZD411-HC and ZD421-HC Printers. These components work together to provide enhanced reliability and specimen tracking accuracy. By validating samples at every handoff point, this approach creates a secure digital chain of custody for patient samples. The result is that the right result reaches the right patient every time, improving overall care quality.
Potential benefits
Adopting this technology moves healthcare facilities away from manual errors and toward reliable tracking. The deployment delivers distinct operational improvements, creating a safer environment for patients, and more efficient workflows for clinical staff.
Enhanced reliability
through better specimen tracking across laboratory handoff points
Improved patient safety
by delivering the right result to the right patient every time
Reduced errors
by limiting lost samples between the point of collection and the lab
How the solution works
Capture and verify sample data at the point of care
Using the HC50 or HC55, clinicians scan the patient’s barcode wristband to pull up the exact, real-time draw order from the Laboratory Information System (LIS) or Hospital Information System (HIS). They can verify samples at every handoff point. These healthcare mobile computers deliver reliable barcode scanning to capture patient and specimen identification data quickly. Its rugged hardware withstands constant clinical use and frequent cleaning protocols. By capturing information at the point of collection, the staff maintains accurate digital record before samples ever leave the room.
Generate accurate identification at the collection source
After data capture, Zebra ZD411-HC and ZD421-HC Printers can produce clear, scannable specimen labels at the point of care. With an optional battery pack, clinicians can transport the printers to the bedside to print and apply labels immediately, avoiding the error-prone practice of moving unlabelled tubes to a central location. Built specifically for clinical environments, these printers offer secure operation and easy integration into existing workflows. Printing accurate labels immediately upon collection prevents misidentification and fortifies the specimen chain of custody.
Securing the clinical supply chain for better patient care
Investing in unified tracking reduces high error rates and operational bottlenecks. Healthcare providers achieve a secure chain of custody, lowering the costs of lost samples while protecting patients from delayed diagnoses and improving overall clinical efficiency.
Note:
Use case figures, savings estimates and images are illustrative only and may be derived from customer data, projections, or controlled testing. They do not represent guaranteed results, and actual outcomes will vary by application; customers should consult a Zebra sales representative to evaluate their specific environment.
