A PPLICATION – C LINICAL Automated ClinicalDiagnostics: Bar Codes onSpecimen Tubes
D IAGNOSTICS Figure 1: MS-3 scanning test tubes. >
TRACKING BAR CODESON SPECIMEN TEST TUBES THE INSTALLATION
A manufacturer of automated clinical laboratory equipmentneeded to track specimen tubes as they were transported to
different parts of the instrument for various tests.The scanner would be needed to read both the bar codes onthe tubes themselves, as well as the bar codes on the tube
carriers. The MS-3 scanner was installed at the beginning of thetransporting system (see Figure 1).Four tubes are loaded into each carrier and then placed on aspecialized
conveyor belt. The
conveyor manufacturer then takes them to the
“identification” station where the carrier slides past the bar
code scanner, one tube at a time. The scanner reads the bar
codes on each tube and the bar codes on the corresponding
slot of each tube and logs the information into the system.This enables the system to identify each tube. The operatorthen determines which test needs to be performed, and the
system then sorts the tubes accordingly. >
THE SYMBOL
Code Type: Code 39 and Code 128 Marking Method: Thermal transfer onto high-gloss labelstock.• Code 39 Code 128 (7.5 mil) >
WHY THE MS-3
The MS-3 was selected because it provided the following
features necessary for this application: Wide scan width Small size
High scan speed >
APPLICATION:
The manufacturer’s customers needed to read a wide rangeof bar codes from various facilities. As a result, the scanner
needed to be able to decode a variety of code types
accurately and efficiently.Since the bar codes were often in poor condition by the timethey arrived at the lab, the scanner also needed a robust read
rate capable of reading even poorly printed and damaged bar
codes. >
THE BOTTOM LINE
In the clinical industry, 100% data integrity is not a luxury,it is a necessity. For this reason, they needed a scanner
with exceptionally robust read performance, capable of handling
multiple code types within a very narrow read distance.Since the MS-3 provided a wide scan width, small size, and anexceptionally small scan envelope, the scanner could be easily
integrated into multiple points around the system. >
Product Information: info@microscan.com
Technical Support: helpdesk@microscan.com Web site: www.microscan.com Tel 65 6846 1214 / Fax 65 6846 4641 Microscan Asia Pacific R.O. Tel 31 172 4233 60 / Fax 31 172 4233 66 MS-3 Laser at a Glance
Microscan Europe Microscan Systems, Inc. Tel 425 226 5700 / 800 762 1149
Fax 425 226 8250 • Scans/second: 1,000 Read range: 2 to 10” (50 to 250 mm) Light weight: 2-oz. (57 g) Test Button and Read Rate LEDs >
www.smallscanners.com
©2003 Microscan Systems, Inc. 01/03, Rev A