Effectiveness of barcoding for reducing patient specimen and laboratory testing identification errors: a Laboratory Medicine Best Practices systematic review and meta-analysis Journal Article

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Authors: Snyder, S. R.; Favoretto, A. M.; Derzon, J. H.; Christenson, R. H.; Kahn, S. E.; Shaw, C. S.; Baetz, R. A.; Mass, D.; Fantz, C. R.; Raab, S. S.; Tanasijevic, M. J.; Liebow, E. B.
Article Title: Effectiveness of barcoding for reducing patient specimen and laboratory testing identification errors: a Laboratory Medicine Best Practices systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This is the first systematic review of the effectiveness of barcoding practices for reducing patient specimen and laboratory testing identification errors. DESIGN AND METHODS: The CDC-funded Laboratory Medicine Best Practices Initiative systematic review methods for quality improvement practices were used. RESULTS: A total of 17 observational studies reporting on barcoding systems are included in the body of evidence; 10 for patient specimens and 7 for point-of-care testing. All 17 studies favored barcoding, with meta-analysis mean odds ratios for barcoding systems of 4.39 (95% CI: 3.05-6.32) and for point-of-care testing of 5.93 (95% CI: 5.28-6.67). CONCLUSIONS: Barcoding is effective for reducing patient specimen and laboratory testing identification errors in diverse hospital settings and is recommended as an evidence-based "best practice." The overall strength of evidence rating is high and the effect size rating is substantial. Unpublished studies made an important contribution comprising almost half of the body of evidence.
Journal Title: Clinical biochemistry
Volume: 45
Issue: 13-14
ISSN: 1873-2933; 0009-9120
Publisher: The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. All rights reserved  
Journal Place: United States
Date Published: 2012
Start Page: 988
End Page: 998
Language: eng
DOI/URL:

10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2012.06.019

10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2012.06.019
Notes: CI: Copyright (c) 2012; GR: W911NF-07-D-0001/DO 0191/TCN 07235/PHS HHS/United States; JID: 0133660; CIN: Clin Biochem. 2012 Sep;45(13-14):1033-5. PMID: 22963709; 2012/03/05 [received]; 2012/06/08 [revised]; 2012/06/14 [accepted]; 2012/06/28 [aheadofprint]; ppublish