Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Application of DNA Barcoding to Identify Medicinal Plants
Published on: November 1, 2024
Effectiveness of barcoding for reducing patient specimen and laboratory testing identification errors: a Laboratory
Susan R Snyder1, Alessandra M Favoretto, James H Derzon
1Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Century Plaza 1, 2987 Clairmont Road, NE - Suite 450, Atlanta, GA 30329‐4448, USA. snydersu@battelle.org
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 Unpublished studies made an important contribution comprising almost half of the body of evidence.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Automated Microbial Diagnostics
Systematic Error: Methodological and Sampling Errors
Sampling errors originate from improper sampling methods or the wrong sample population. These errors can be minimized by refining the sampling strategy. Defective instruments or faulty calibrations are the sources of instrumental...
Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Several factors...
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...

