Method and apparatus for labelling and tracking medical specimens

A system for generating a plurality of labels for use in identifying and tracking specimens which are to be tested in a laboratory facility and for use with a patient card (30) having encoded patient data. The system comprises a card reader (24) for reading patient data from the patient card (30), a bar-code reader (26) for scanning test codes from a template (34), and a computer (10) for generating labels (36) from the patient data and scanned test codes. The labels (36) are printed on adhesive strips and include a Requisition Label, Test List Label, Form Label and Test Label. The Requisition, Test List and Form labels are used to track the paper forms associated with testing the specimen. The Test Label, on the other hand, is attached directly to a tube containing the specimen and used to track and sort the specimen from the point of collection to the testing bench. The Test label has an number of information conveying fields which include a machine-readable code that provides a unique identification code for tracking and sorting the specimen. The Test label also includes a second machine-readable code which indicates the test to be performed on the specimen. The machine-readable code format allows the specimens to be sorted by automated machines. The machine-readable codes can also be used in conjunction with a machine-readable shipping bin code to produce a waybill for shipping (and receiving) the specimens to a remote laboratory facility. The system also includes the capability of determining the number of Test labels which are required for a particular specimen, so that the printing of unnecessary labels is minimized.