CINCINNATI, ALBUQUERQUE and CHICAGO (AACC Annual Meeting) – July 26, 2006 –
General Data Company, Inc., a leading provider of specialized labeling and identification products and solutions, today announced that TriCore Reference Laboratories in Albuquerque, N.M. has implemented General Data’s StainerShield system, a complete bar code-based tissue specimen identification and tracking solution featuring the new StainerShield Laser Imaging System. The automated system, which also includes StainerShield slide identification labels, handheld bar code scanners and direct thermal smart printers, is designed to help improve workflow, reduce lab errors and improve patient safety. TriCore, New Mexico’s leading medical laboratory provider of healthcare information, is one of the first laboratories to install the complete StainerShield system for automated identification and tracking of tissue specimens throughout the lab.
General Data’s system enables TriCore to use two-dimensional bar codes to identify and track patient specimen cassettes and slides from the grossing station to staining, to final review and archiving. The bar coded tissue cassettes and specimen slides can withstand lab processes that include harsh chemicals, solvents and stains. As a result, the bar codes can be effectively and consistently scanned from start to finish.
“We were having a number of issues with labeling errors as well as workflow problems,” said Stephen Neumon, manager of anatomic pathology at TriCore Reference Laboratories. “We had set up a complex system of checks and rechecks for slide identification and labeling. Errors were still occurring. Implementation of the StainerShield system will completely change our departmental workflow and allow for error-free labeling of the slides.”
Included in the StainerShield system are General Data’s ScanPrint™ direct thermal smart printers, which eliminate the need for individual computer workstations. A handheld scanner plugs directly into the printer, enabling lab technicians to scan the two-dimensional bar code on the tissue cassette to print on-demand StainerShield labels for a single specimen slide or a pre-determined number of slides.
“Our StainerShield bar code system is designed to help streamline lab workflow and reduce potential problem spots where a misidentified or mislabeled cassette or slide can result in lost time or lab results, repeated tests and/or a misdiagnosis,” said Peter Wenzel, president and chief executive officer of General Data. “StainerShield makes it possible for TriCore to save time, enhance productivity and improve their focus on delivering timely and accurate results to patients. TriCore will now be able to move a high volume of specimens through the lab with fewer points of potential handling errors.”
General Data will be showing the complete StainerShield specimen identification and tracking system at the 2006 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) July 23-27 in Chicago Illinois. For more information, visit the company’s AACC booth (#1963), website http://www.stainershield.com or call General Data at 800-733-5252, ext 2700.
About TriCore
Headquartered in Albuquerque, N.M., TriCore Reference Laboratories (www.tricore.org) is the state’s leading medical laboratory provider of healthcare information. TriCore services include routine and highly specialized tests to serve physicians, hospitals, nursing homes and companies that conduct workplace drug testing. Affiliated with the University of New Mexico and Presbyterian Healthcare Services, TriCore has a team of nationally recognized laboratory scientists and clinical and anatomic pathologists. Founded in 1998, TriCore has emerged as a business leader in New Mexico, with more than 900 employees and growth on both regional and national levels.
About General Data Company
General Data Company is a leading provider of specialized labeling and identification products and solutions. The company’s patent-pending healthcare and laboratory identification technologies are designed to improve patient safety and care, reduce medical errors, facilitate patient administration and provide consumers with peace of mind and confidence in their health care providers. General Data is recognized as the premiere provider of integrated bar code identification and data collection products and solutions that enable businesses in a variety of industries to become more efficient and make better decisions. Founded in 1981, General Data is a privately held company with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. More information on General Data products and solutions can be found at http://www.general-data.com. # # # |
