Specimen Collection

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Specimen collection is the vital first step in the laboratory diagnosis process. Problems can arise when a patient is misidentified (see PPID) or a specimen isn’t labelled correctly. In Australia, healthcare providers are required to comply with Australian Standard (AS) ISO 15189-2013* when it comes to the collection and testing of pathology specimens.

At Health ID, we understand the importance of having specialised computers and label printers to assist with the specimen collection process in Australia. We partner with some of the biggest names in specimen collection labelling, including Zebra, SATO and Datalogic. We also work with many of Australia’s leading healthcare providers, including NSW Health and Queensland Health.

* AS ISO 15189-2013 (Medical laboratories - Requirements for quality and competence).

Benefits of specimen collection labelling

A quality specimen collection labelling system provides several key benefits.

• Patients are more likely to receive accurate test results – leading to correct diagnosis and treatment.
• Labels can be created just prior to specimen collection (by the same medical practitioner) or at point of care (using mobile compute / printing technology).
• Regulatory standards, such as AS ISO 15189-2013, are easier to comply with.
• The risk of litigation (arising from medical negligence) is minimised.

Many specimen collection labelling systems (computers / label printers) are deployed on medical trolleys in Australia – to make specimen collection easier.

What specimen collection solutions do we provide?

Health ID provides a complete point-of-care barcode labelling solution – featuring products designed specifically for the healthcare sector. Many of these products are Cerner-validated, and manufactured from antimicrobial and/or chemical-resistant materials (to assist with aseptic technique).

Common specimen collection labelling products we supply include:-

• Mobile computers
• Pathology sample collection label printers (that meet Australian requirements)
• Barcode printers (mobile and desktop)
• Barcode readers (corded and wireless)
• Mobile workstations and medical carts (Workstation on Wheels)
• Medical Grade All-In-One computers and tablets
• Print consumables (specimen labels) for both direct thermal and thermal transfer printers

In addition to specimen collection solutions, Health ID also provides integrated Positive Patient Identification (PPID) and proximity sensing solutions.

Which vendors do we partner with for specimen collection labelling?

Health ID partners with iconic technology vendors in the specimen collection labelling space, such as Zebra, SATO, Datalogic, Ergotron, Advantech, Capsa Healthcare, Spectralink and GM Medical.

We stock many of the preferred products used in specimen collection labelling, including:-

• Zebra TC52-HC Touch Computer
• Zebra GK420d and ZD420c healthcare desktop printers
• Zebra ZQ610 mobile printer (for specimen labels)
• Zebra DS8108-HC and DS8178-HC barcode scanners 
• SATO WS2 (antimicrobial casing) compact desktop printer 
• SATO MB400i mobile label printer (for specimen labels) – a popular model in Australia
• SATO PW208NX compact mobile printer (for specimen labels)
• Datalogic Gryphon GD4520, GBT4500 and GM4500 handheld barcode scanners
• Ergotron StyleView and CareFit medical carts (Workstation on Wheels)
• Advantech Medical Grade AIO computers and tablets
• Capsa Healthcare Medical Carts 
• Spectralink Versity Smartphone
• HP Engage Go Mobile tablets

As an official Zebra Healthcare Specialist, Health ID has access to the full range of Zebra mobile computers and label printers in Australia.

For more information on specimen collection solutions and label printers in Australia, please call our friendly team on 07 3303 0219.