Not Created Equal

Though all device types doing testing outside the clinical laboratory are not created equal in how they connect, send/receive data, operator and patient ID validations, etc. the benefits of automating the entry of point-of-care results into the electronic record can still be realized. In this article we will review electronic interface benefits, requirements, and discuss in more detail some of the specific differences that create confusion between device capabilities. Though 2 dimensional bar codes are not new, their utilization at the point-of-care which is new, has some significant benefits and will also be discussed.