Computers dispensing errors

To maintain a perpetual inventory system, all purchases and sales must be entered into the computer system (Carroll, 1998 West, 2003). A clerk can enter data from purchases, or the computer dispensing system can be interfaced with the computer order system. The interface allows for the inventory to be reduced when a product is dispensed. The sales data can also be entered at the point of sale by devices that use optical scanning and barcode technology. Point-of-sale (POS) devices are advantageous in that they improve the accuracy of pricing and inventory data. They eliminate the need for price stickers, reduce the frequency of pricing errors, and automatically track inventory. 

Many modern analyzers u.se a closed-tube technology to minimize exposure to biohazards and to reduce manual manipulations. Samples and reagents arc dispensed automatically, the measurements made by photometry or ion-selective electrodes, and the results computed. Most have bar-coding capabilities to reduce errors from incorrect patient identification, A typical chemistry-immunochemisiry automated analyzer is shown in Figure 3.3-18. 

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