Implementation of a two-dimensional barcode in the preanalytic phase

The automation process in the preanalytic phase of the laboratory is of increasing interest since there is an increasing discrepancy between the enormous advances in the automation process of the analytical/ postanalytical and the preanalytical phase of the central laboratory. Besides there is need of a secure transmission of the test requests from the clients to the central laboratory. We started a project together with other supra-regional laboratories in Germany in order to develop and establish a secure and robust data transmission system for the transmission of clinical data and laboratory information to the central laboratory. Based on common standards for laboratory data transmission and using a two dimensional barcode we developed an offline usable open source standard. Our project and the members of our project group may be a basis for the development and establishment of a standardized catalogue of laboratory methods and laboratory analyses in Germany in the near future.