In the histopathology laboratory, barcodes such as the Quick Response (QR) Code can be utilized for any step where correct specimen identification is necessary (which is all steps). Barcoding can be imprinted on specimen containers, cassettes, requisitions, slides, and paper slide labels. The information contained within the barcode label is then linked to the laboratory information system (LIS), allowing verification of identification throughout the entire movement of the specimen, from receipt to sign-out. Not only does barcode technology improve identification accuracy, but this technology also provides a means to track the specimen's progress in "real time" as it moves through each step toward case completion.
