Accessioning
Accessioning stands for the standardized procedure of receiving, verifying, and registering patient specimens in a medical or diagnostic laboratory by assigning them a unique accession number (e.g., DG24-17892).
Glossary of Terms
Accessioning
Accessioning stands for the standardized procedure of receiving, verifying, and registering patient specimens in a medical or diagnostic laboratory by assigning them a unique accession number (e.g., DG24-17892).
What Is Accessioning?
Accessioning is the process of receiving, verifying, and assigning a unique identification number (e.g., DG24-17892) to patient specimens in a medical or diagnostic laboratory. This ensures each sample such as blood, urine, tissue, or swabs is accurately logged in the laboratory information system (LIS) and can be reliably tracked throughout the testing workflow.
Why Accessioning Matters in Pathology Labs?
Accessioning is critical because it establishes the identity and integrity of every sample.
Key reasons include:
- Ensures proper patient–specimen matching
- Reduces labeling and data-entry errors
- Enables smooth movement of samples through testing stages
- Supports traceability, accountability, and compliance
- Prevents mix-ups that can lead to diagnostic errors
How Accessioning Works in a Laboratory Information System (LIS)?
In a modern LIS like SpeedsPath, accessioning becomes seamless and efficient. The system instantly generates accession numbers, captures patient details, links physician orders, assigns barcodes, and establishes a digital chain of custody. Thanks to this automation, manual errors are minimized, and each specimen record remains accurate from collection through to the final report.
Key Steps or Components of Accessioning
- Specimen receipt and verification
- Assigning a unique accession number
- Entering or importing patient demographics and test orders
- Applying barcode labels for accurate tracking
- Logging specimen type, source, and collection details
- Routing to the appropriate department for testing
Benefits of Using LIS for Accessioning
- Faster and error-free data entry
- Automated numbering and barcode generation
- Accurate specimen tracking across all departments
- Improved compliance with CAP, NABL, and CLIA standards
- Reduced workload and improved productivity
Common Challenges Without LIS Automation
- Manual entry errors and mismatched specimens
- Duplicate or missing accession numbers
- Difficulty tracking samples in busy labs
- Poor documentation leading to compliance issues
- Delays in testing and reporting
Examples of Accessioning in Pathology
- Logging a blood sample with a unique barcode for hematology tests
- Registering multiple tissue blocks under one case in histopathology
- Accessioning a urine sample received from an external collection center
SpeedsPath Makes Accessioning Accurate & Effortless
Accessioning is central to managing samples in pathology labs. Accurate identification, documentation, and a secure chain of custody make test results reliable. Automating this step with an LIS adds speed, precision, and accountability.
See how SpeedsPath automates accessioning, tracks barcodes, and streamlines workflows.
Related Terms
- Accession Number
- Case ID
- Prefix
- Specimen Tracking
- Turnaround Time (TAT)
FAQs
- What does accessioning mean in pathology?
Accessioning is the process of recording a specimen and giving it a unique ID (e.g., DG24-17892) before testing. - How does an LIS improve accessioning?
If desired, it automates numbering, labeling, and data entry, reducing errors and speeding up workflow. - Why is accessioning important for compliance?
It ensures proper documentation and traceability required for audits and quality standards. - Can poor accessioning affect results?
Yes, mistakes during accessioning can lead to mix-ups, delays, or incorrect reports.
Want to learn more? Explore our LIS Glossary or check out our expert blogs on Anatomic Pathology, Molecular Diagnostics, Cytology, and Lab Information Systems.