Cytology requisition log-in with a minimum of keyboard entry

Virtually every cytology laboratory invests considerable staff time in the entry or log-in of specimens into a laboratory information system. In many cases these systems are not optimized for rapid entry of the data. We describe a combination of two techniques (fastkey/macros and bar code) that has enabled us to reduce the number of keystrokes required for cytologic smear accessioning and to improve the overall efficiency of the requisition entry process by 25%. Similar techniques could be used with a wide variety of information systems.