Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying authorized users of a secure system. A user of the secure system is prompted to enter a personal identification code which is then received into the secure system. The personal identification code entered by the user is then compared against a list of authorized personal identification codes. The user is identified to be an authorized user of the secure system only if the personal identification code entered by the user is present in the list of authorized personal identification codes. Each personal identification code on the list of authorized personal identification codes is arranged in a personal identification code format that includes a plurality of core digits and a plurality of check digits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for tracking information associated with a plurality of test cards. Each of the test cards is anonymously associated with a patient such that the patient's identity is unknown to a central monitoring system. A first set of unique personal identification numbers (PINs) is stored in a PIN database in the central monitoring system, and a first digital signal representing PINs from the first set of unique PINs is provided to a test kit assembler. A second digital signal, representing test kits actually assembled, is received from the test kit assembler in the central monitoring system. Each of the test kits actually assembled includes a test card having one of the unique PINs from the first set of unique PINs associated therewith. The first set of unique PINs is tracked by updating the PIN database in response to the second digital signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing and handling a plurality of in-coming telephone calls initiated by a plurality of anonymous callers, each of the anonymous callers having previously provided a specimen for evaluation to a medical testing laboratory. A telephone call initiated by an anonymous caller is received by the call routing and handling system. The anonymous caller is prompted by the call routing and handling system to transmit a personal identification code corresponding to a specimen previously provided to the medical testing laboratory by the anonymous caller. The personal identification code transmitted by the anonymous caller is received by the call routing and handling system, and test result information associated with the specimen previously provided to the medical testing laboratory by the anonymous caller is retrieved based on the personal identification code previously received. A call handler for processing the telephone call is selected in response to the test result information.