Present sample identification systems

The theme "Sample identification" was last discussed at the international meeting "Biochemische Analytik 78". At that time it was stated that publications dealing with sample identification are relatively few and in recent years there have been no important innovations in this field. This statement is valid today with one exception: in the new edition of the well-known book by R. Haeckel "Rationalisierung des Medizinischen Laboratoriums" there is a very competent contribution from Dres. Mieth und Porth, dealing with the techniques of sample identification. The term "sample identification" is a paraphrase for all instructions, equipment and processes for the recognition and allocation of a specimen or sample, and an analytical result to a distinct source of specimen. The importance of sample identification depends on" 1. The number of different specimens to be analysed in a given period of time. 2. The number of different tests routinely practiced by the laboratory. 3. The kind of equipment being used. 4. The standard of organisation. 5. The distance between laboratory and patient. The influence of these five points has become particularly evident since computers were introduced into clinical laboratories. The increasing volume of samples and tests and the distance between the patient and the laboratory are important factors. More important as an aid to sample identification is the proper selection of analysers and data processors, linked to good organisation. Bad organisation and a random collection of equipment aggravate these problems immensely. There are three essential components to sample identification: 1. One fundamental requirement is a complete identification statement, inseparably linked to the specimen. 2. The mechanism of intralaboratory identification consists of generating an identification symbol fixed to the sample during all processes of transport and transfer. 3. The goal is the permanent control of identification during the analytical processes, calculations of results, and presentation of reports. The complete identification statement consists of information about source of specimen and request, kind of material, ordered tests and instructions, and finally the timing. Each sample transfer step holds a trap. The first one is when a sample is taken from a patient. The next transfer takes place in the laboratory when the sample is split and distributed to process tubes. Here, the identification is taken and transferred to the tubes in a coded form. Every repetition of this process increases the probability of loss of data or wrong allocation. Sample identification begins with the identification of the …