12 min readUpdated Jan 2026
Sample Accessioning Workflow Guide
Get it right from the start. Effective accessioning workflows reduce errors by 40%+ and set up every downstream process for success.
The Accessioning Workflow
1
Receive Shipment — Log courier/transport, verify chain of custody, note condition
2
Match Requisition — Link each specimen to its test order/requisition
3
Verify Patient ID — Confirm name, DOB, and two unique identifiers match
4
Check Specimen Acceptability — Evaluate condition, volume, container, collection time
5
Assign Lab ID — Apply unique barcode, create LIMS record
6
Route to Testing — Direct specimen to appropriate department/workstation
Specimen Acceptance Criteria
Accept When
- • Two patient identifiers match
- • Correct container for test
- • Sufficient volume
- • Within stability limits
- • Properly sealed/intact
Reject When
- • Unlabeled or mislabeled
- • Wrong container type
- • Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
- • Hemolyzed beyond limits
- • Leaking or contaminated
LIMS Accessioning Features
Barcode Integration — Scan to look up orders, apply labels, eliminate transcription
Order Pre-Registration — EMR orders available before specimen arrives
Acceptance Criteria — System enforces required checks before accepting
Exception Handling — Workflow for rejections, recollects, add-on tests
Reducing Accessioning Errors
Transcription errors
Barcode scanning instead of manual entry
Wrong patient linked
Two-identifier verification, system alerts on mismatches
Missed rejection criteria
Required fields and checklist in LIMS workflow
Lost requisitions
Electronic order interface, scanned document attachment
Need Help with Accessioning Workflows?
We help laboratories design efficient accessioning workflows, implement barcode systems, and configure LIMS to catch errors early.
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