LabelTrace: Frequently asked questions
What is LabelTrace?
LabelTrace is a labelling system for healthcare professionals that request, administer or carry out laboratory testing for patients. It creates and prints labels with human-readable patient information to enable quick and easy labelling of test request forms and tubes. This information can be printed in text or encoded into a barcode. The labels can also be used for other tasks including pre-printing details on patient forms.
What does LabelTrace do?
LabelTrace uses label printing technology to:
- Reduce errors in labelling of test results by creating and printing text or barcoded labels for test request forms and test tubes, ensuring accuracy and legibility of information;
- Reduce time taken to process test requests by using scanning devices to obtain all the necessary information which is automatically transferred to the LIMS;
- Give rapid access to labels for GPs, hospital doctors and nurses, wherever the patient may be – in the surgery, on the ward, or at home, using a variety of devices including desktop, laptop or pocket PC to access patient records straight from the patient record system.
How much training is required to operate LabelTrace?
Very little training is required to enable GPs, hospital doctors and nurses to operate the LabelTrace system. Because the software integrates with existing patient record systems, once the hardware has been set up users can normally learn to use LabelTrace in minutes. Often a simple e-mail with instructions is all that is required.
Does it require specialist installation?
It is recommended that the initial installation is carried out by LabelTrace trained installation staff, but subsequent hardware and software additions can often be made by users themselves. As with most software and hardware applications today, the installation requires very little computer knowledge and is often completed by practice managers or administrators.
Are there any specific PC/operating system requirements?
Windows 2000 or Windows XP are recommended.
How big are the printers?
The Zebra LP2824 compact desktop printer has a very small footprint, measuring only 3.9"/99 mm(width) x 7.5"/190 mm (depth) x 6.8"/173mm (height).
Can the label format be changed? The lab would like them to contain their own references.
Yes, the label format is completely flexible and is different for the request forms and tubes. Any field can be bar coded (1D or 2D) and there are a range of fonts to choose from.
Does the tube label contain barcodes that will interfere with the tracking labels used by the labs?
No – the tube label formats are variable and are approved by the labs. Barcodes are optional and don’t need to be included. The label is small and allows room for the lab label to be added too. A gap is still available to view the tube content.
Will the tube labels jam the centrifuge?
Millions of labels have passed through labs since LabelTrace was first developed eight years ago. There have been no reported occurrences of jams.
Will the laboratory I use be able to decode the labels I print?
The LabelTrace label format is always pre-approved by the labs and can contain additional information to assist with quicker data entry to make their lives easier.
We already use barcode scanners for data input. Could they be used with these labels?
Yes. The patient NHS number can be barcoded on the request form label, for example. The barcode symbology used can be changed to match your barcode scanner configuration.
How do we get the label format changed?
The label format is usually agreed after consultation between the labs and the practices. This can be facilitated by Codegate, who can assist with changing the design by mutual agreement. Once the label template is agreed it can be deployed to all practices feeding the lab.
Our practices use different patient administration systems. Can LabelTrace be used with all of them?
LabelTrace works in conjunction with all popular administration systems. The labels produced in each case are identical.
Can other information on the request form be automatically entered?
Yes, LabelTrace works in conjunction with the scanning system available from Infocom that automates the entry of all information provided on the request form. LabelTrace can provide a 2D barcode label that makes it quicker for this system to correctly identify the correct demographic information.
Is anyone already using LabelTrace?
Yes - over 8,000 doctors and clinicians currently use LabelTrace and would not be without it.
Have you had any feedback from existing users?
Yes – everyone that has had the LabelTrace system installed has given us feedback. Here follows some of what has been said:
“This system has proved an enormous hit with our doctors and nurses who previously spent precious time tediously filling in forms. The labels are considerably quicker and more importantly from a risk assessment point of view are considerably more accurate.” Dr. Cowan, Dr. Mills & Partners, Bradford.
“It is fast, fits in well with working practices and ensures the accuracy of the lab request form.” Helen Winton, Practice Manager Levern Medical Group.
“Rather than spending time filling out patients details on forms and bottles, the labels are printed instantaneously.” Janet Wilson, Practice Nurse, Charleston Practice.
“LabelTrace is fantastic - the doctors find it easy to use and just couldn't do without it now." Christina Breen, Practice Manager, DR. PER Carson and Partners Health Centre, Portadown.
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