COVID-19 has thrust the importance of lab testing into the public eye. From the number of tests conducted and the number of confirmed cases identified, to flattening the curve, testing is a topic discussed at both daily press conferences and the dinner table. But, although the news cameras focus on people driving through field testing facilities where healthcare workers obtain tissue viable samples, successfully completing a test requires additional actions. And if a problem occurs at any subsequent step after extracting the tissue sample, including collection, transportation and processing, the test will likely require repeating. It’s one reason why COVID-19 specimen labels are essential to a timely and accurate testing process.

Although positive patient identification is a crucial first step, it’s only one of the many actions required to prevent specimen identification errors. In fact, with variables that include laboratory information systems (LIS), fluid and tissue samples, internal and external labs, pneumatic tubes, bio bags, and manual and automated laboratory testing, it’s an extensive workflow. But there is a constant that encompasses each step of the process. It’s a laboratory label. An information billboard that enables effective handling at each stage. What’s more, when designed properly, laboratory labels help prevent specimen identification errors and other processing challenges that impact patient safety and health system costs.

Unfortunately, the impact that the coronavirus, COVID-19, may have on us, our community and the nation is unknown. Will travel restrictions increase? Will business and school closures become the norm? What impact will the virus have on our jobs, the economy and our daily life? The fact is we don’t know. But here’s what’s likely. It won’t just go away in a month or two. Instead, it will take time to understand the impact. Time to develop a vaccine and determine how we can prevent it in the future. It will force us to remain aware of our surroundings and be diligent in finding ways to minimize the virus’s spread. Meanwhile, here’s one thing we do know. The same steps that we use to minimize our exposure to influenza and other viruses are also effective coronavirus infection prevention strategies.

Like most organizations that deliver healthcare services, the demands on veterinary practices have changed. In fact, technological advancements have led to new diagnostic techniques, drugs, therapeutic regimes and preventive care that weren’t available to provide only a few years ago. But, one of the biggest change drivers is the pet owner themself. Because, now more than ever before, they insist that their pets lead the same healthy life they do. These changes present an opportunity for new and expanded services. What’s more, they require proper documentation to ensure effective patient care. United Ad Label carries an extensive selection of veterinary labels that help practices meet the demands of an expanded service offering.

It takes a variety of supplies to run your practice. And although drugs, medical supplies and animal food top the list of expenditures, they aren’t the only essential items. In fact, it’s impossible to execute vital tasks like medication dispensing and hazardous material identification without veterinary labels. They may not get the same scrutiny as the higher expenditure categories but when managed effectively there are steps you can take to impact costs and ensure effective patient care. Here are 10 facts about veterinary labels that may change your opinion about their importance.

Compliance departments work to ensure their facility continuously meets state, federal and independent accreditation standards. And with complex clinical processes and changing standards, that is no easy task. But, maintaining compliance isn’t always about implementing complex routines. In fact, it is most successful when the right thing to do is the easiest thing to do. And for many standards, the easiest thing to do is to incorporate a label as a communications device. Healthcare labels serve as an information dashboard and help organizations meet compliance objectives.

It’s estimated that half of all dogs and cats that are patients of a veterinary practice today need some level of dental care. In fact, Banfield Pet Hospital’s “2016 State of Pet Health Report” estimated that periodontal disease could be found in 76 percent of dogs and 68 percent of cats. Further, fractured teeth in dogs and tooth resorption in cats are extremely common dental issues. With these canine and feline issues, it’s no wonder that veterinarians are choosing to add dental services to their practice portfolio.

As recently reported by the CDC, “Seasonal flu activity in the United States has been elevated for eight weeks and continues to increase.”

With nearly 4,000,000 cases already reported, the 2019-2020 flu season is on pace to exceed outbreaks reported over the last few years. In fact, 37 states report high virus activity forcing numerous hospitals to enact visitor restrictions in an attempt to prevent additional infections.

Moving patients safely through a healthcare facility requires the effective orchestration of medical care, physical resources, and internal systems. And as crucial as electronic health records, medical devices and medications are to the process there is another item that healthcare providers rely on to get patients from the point of admission to the point of discharge while maintaining quality patient care. In fact, they help guide dozens of diverse clinical care steps throughout the patient journey.

Can you measure the cost impact of vaccines? Their value on our health and well-being is enormous. Vaccines help eradicate life-threatening preventable diseases, reduce the spread of viruses like the flu and save countless lives. In fact, the CDC estimates that for every dollar spent on childhood vaccinations, our country saves $10.90. Yet with these significant societal benefits, healthcare organizations frequently experience a different cost. They often incur avoidable expenses that impact their bottom line and damage patient satisfaction. It happens when vaccine storage guidelines aren’t met. But, simple process improvements can eliminate the issue. Here’s how to use labels to meet vaccine storage guidelines.