Use of bar code readers and programmable keypads to improve the speed and accuracy of manual data entry in the clinical microbiology laboratory: experience of two laboratories

Aim-To assess the effect of the use of bar code readers and programmable ke ypads for entry of specimen details and results in two microbiology laborat ories. Methods-The solutions selected in each laboratory are described. The benefi ts resulting from the implementation were measured in two ways. The speed o f data entry and error reduction were measured by observation. A questionna ire was completed by users of bar codes. Results-There were savings in time and in reduced data entry errors. Averag e time to enter a report by keyboard was 21.1 s v 14.1 s for bar coded resu lts entry. There were no observed errors with the bar code readers but 55 e rrors with keystroke entries. The laboratory staff of all grades found the system fast, easy to use, and less stressful than conventional keyboard ent ry. Conclusions-Indirect time savings should accrue from the observed reduction in incorrectly entered data. Any microbiology laboratory seeking to improv e the accuracy and efficiency of data entry into their laboratory informati on systems should consider the adoption of this technology which can be rea dily interfaced to existing terminals.